Confucius was a foundational philosopher whose teachings shaped moral thought, education, and governance for centuries. His insights focus on virtue, self-discipline, and harmonious relationships, offering guidance for both personal growth and social responsibility. The following quotes capture the timeless wisdom of his philosophy and its relevance to everyday life.
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
From The Sayings of Confucius
If a craftsman wants to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.
From The Analects
If you want to make a stand, help others make a stand, and if you want to reach your goal, help others reach their goal. Consider yourself and treat others accordingly: this is the method of Humanity.
From The Analects
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.
No lake so still but it has its wave.
No circle so perfect but that it has its blur.
I would change things for you if I could; As I can't you must take them as they are.
Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.
The noble-minded worry about their lack of ability, not about people’s failure to recognize their ability.
From The Analects
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
From The Analects
Don’t grieve when people fail to recognize your ability. Grieve for your lack of ability instead.
From The Analects
The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
From The Sayings of Confucius
If a craftsman wants to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.
From The Analects
If you want to make a stand, help others make a stand, and if you want to reach your goal, help others reach their goal. Consider yourself and treat others accordingly: this is the method of Humanity.
From The Analects
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.
No lake so still but it has its wave.
No circle so perfect but that it has its blur.
I would change things for you if I could; As I can't you must take them as they are.
Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.
The noble-minded worry about their lack of ability, not about people’s failure to recognize their ability.
From The Analects
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
From The Analects
Don’t grieve when people fail to recognize your ability. Grieve for your lack of ability instead.
From The Analects
The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
From The Sayings of Confucius
If a craftsman wants to do good work, he must first sharpen his tools.
From The Analects
If you want to make a stand, help others make a stand, and if you want to reach your goal, help others reach their goal. Consider yourself and treat others accordingly: this is the method of Humanity.
From The Analects
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.
No lake so still but it has its wave.
No circle so perfect but that it has its blur.
I would change things for you if I could; As I can't you must take them as they are.
Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.
The noble-minded worry about their lack of ability, not about people’s failure to recognize their ability.
From The Analects
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
From The Analects
Don’t grieve when people fail to recognize your ability. Grieve for your lack of ability instead.
From The Analects
The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
The Man who says he can, and the man who says he can not.. Are both correct
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.