Confucius quotes - page 11

The way of the superior man may be found, in its simple elements, in the intercourse of common men and women; but in its utmost reaches, it shines brightly through Heaven and Earth. (Confucius)
Well governed, poverty, ill governed, wealth a disgrace. View quote
Confucius
The kingdom, its states, and its families, may be perfectly ruled; dignities and emoluments may be declined; naked weapons may be trampled under the feet; but the course of the Mean cannot be attained to. View quote
Confucius
The superior man honors his virtuous nature, and maintains constant inquiry and study, seeking to carry it out to its breadth and greatness, so as to omit none of the more exquisite and minute points which it embraces, and to raise it to its greatest height and brilliancy, so as to pursue the course of the Mean. He cherishes his old knowledge, and is continually acquiring new. He exerts an honest, generous earnestness, in the esteem and practice of all propriety. Thus, when occupying a high situation he is not proud, and in a low situation he is not insubordinate. When the kingdom is well governed, he is sure by his words to rise; and when it is ill governed, he is sure by his silence to command forbearance to himself. View quote
Confucius
Perfect is the virtue which is according to the Mean! Rare have they long been among the people, who could practice it! View quote
Confucius
To no one but the Son of Heaven does it belong to order ceremonies, to fix the measures, and to determine the written characters. View quote
Confucius
To rank the effort above the prize may be called love. View quote
Confucius
There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute. Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone. View quote
Confucius
I know how it is that the path of the Mean is not walked in - The knowing go beyond it, and the stupid do not come up to it. I know how it is that the path of the Mean is not understood - The men of talents and virtue go beyond it, and the worthless do not come up to it. View quote
Confucius
He that in his Studies wholly applies himself to Labour and Exercise, and neglects Meditation, loses his time: And he that only applies himself to Meditation, and neglects Labour and Exercise, does only wander and lose himself. View quote
Confucius
It is characteristic of the most entire sincerity to be able to foreknow. When a nation or family is about to flourish, there are sure to be happy omens; and when it is about to perish, there are sure to be unlucky omens. (Confucius)
It is not truth that makes man great, but man that makes truth great. View quote
Confucius
To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity. To possess the feeling of shame is to be near to energy. View quote
Confucius
All people respect and love their own parents and children, as well as the parents and children of others. View quote
Confucius
Honesty and trust are promoted, and good neighborliness cultivated. View quote
Confucius
Virtuous, worthy, wise and capable people are chosen as leaders. View quote
Confucius
The aged are cared for until death; adults are employed in jobs that make full use of their abilities; and children are nourished, educated, and fostered;...orphans... the disabled and the diseased are all well taken care of.... View quote
Confucius
A man's character is formed by the Odes, developed by the Rites and perfected by music. View quote
Confucius
If we don't know life, how can we know death? View quote
Confucius
Be loyal and trustworthy. Do not befriend anyone who is lower than yourself in this regard. When making a mistake, do not be afraid to correct it. View quote
Confucius
At fifteen my heart was set on learning; at thirty I stood firm; at forty I had no more doubts; at fifty I knew the will of heaven; at sixty my ear was obedient; at seventy I could follow my heart's desire without overstepping the boundaries of what was right. (Confucius)
When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former actions. If, for three years [after the death of your father] you do not change from the ways of your father, you can be called a 'real son (xiào/hsiao)'. View quote
Confucius
If the Superior Man is not serious, then he will not inspire awe in others. If he is not learned, then he will not be on firm ground. He takes loyalty and good faith to be of primary importance, and has no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber. When he makes a mistake, he doesn't hesitate to correct it. View quote
Confucius
Leaving virtue without proper cultivation; not thoroughly discussing what is learned; not being able to move towards righteousness of which a knowledge is gained; and not being able to change what is not good: - these are the things which occasion me solicitude. View quote
Confucius
When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself. View quote
Confucius