Confucius
- 1. “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” — The Analects, 2:17
- 2. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: reflection, imitation, and experience.” — The Analects, 2:15
- 3. “To see what is right and not do it is want of courage.” — The Analects, 2:24
- 4. “Study the past if you would define the future.” — The Analects, 2:11
- 5. “Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” — The Analects, 2:15
- 6. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — The Analects, 4:18
- 7. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — The Analects, 6:20
- 8. “The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” — The Analects, 14:29
- 9. “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” — The Analects, 4:17
- 10. “He who learns but does not think, is lost; he who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” — The Analects, 2:15
- 11. “Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” — The Analects, 15:23
- 12. “The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” — The Analects, 4:16
- 13. “Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.” — The Analects, 1:3
- 14. “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” — The Analects, 12:19
- 15. “Success depends upon previous preparation; without preparation, failure is certain.” — The Analects, 8:2
- 16. “The way of the superior person is threefold; virtuous, free from anxieties; wise, free from perplexities; bold, free from fear.” — The Analects, 6:30
- 17. “If you look into your own heart and find nothing wrong, what is there to fear?” — The Analects, 20:4
- 18. “Learn as if you were not reaching your goal, and as though you feared missing it.” — The Analects, 2:15
- 19. “The superior man is slow in word but quick in deed.” — The Analects, 14:29
- 20. “The gentleman seeks righteousness, the small man seeks comfort.” — The Analects, 4:11
- 21. “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” — The Analects, 12:11
- 22. “To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life.” — The Analects, 12:7
- 23. “A youth is to be regarded with respect; how do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?” — The Analects, 1:6
- 24. “Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.” — The Analects, 1:9
- 25. “The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.” — The Analects, 14:29
- 26. “Harmony is the foundation of the world.” — The Analects, 1:12
- 27. “As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.” — The Analects, 6:27
- 28. “If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.” — The Analects, 13:3
- 29. “To be poor without murmuring is difficult; to be rich without being proud is easy.” — The Analects, 4:7
- 30. “The superior man is pleased to dwell in virtue; the small man is pleased to dwell in comfort.” — The Analects, 4:8
- 31. “The demands that good people make are upon themselves; those that bad people make are upon others.” — The Analects, 12:19
- 32. “He who flatters a man is his enemy; he who tells him of his faults is his maker.” — The Analects, 7:22
- 33. “Never tire to study and to teach others.” — The Analects, 1:4
- 34. “All people are the same; only their habits differ.” — The Analects, 17:2
- 35. “When a person should be spoken with, and you don’t speak with them, you lose them. When a person shouldn’t be spoken with and you speak to them, you waste your breath.” — The Analects, 7:36
- 36. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — The Analects, 6:23
- 37. “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” — The Analects, 7:32
- 38. “Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.” — The Analects, 4:25
- 39. “The superior man is slow in word but quick in deed.” — The Analects, 14:29
- 40. “He who governs by virtue is like the North Star, which dwells in its place and all the stars revolve around it.” — The Analects, 2:1
Who was Confucius?
Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher and teacher whose ideas, compiled in The Analects, emphasize morality, social harmony, virtue, and self-cultivation. His teachings deeply influenced Chinese culture, ethics, and governance and remain relevant worldwide.
Why are Confucius’ quotes important?
Confucius’ quotes offer timeless wisdom on ethics, self-reflection, leadership, and life. They guide individuals to cultivate virtue, maintain social harmony, and live purposefully. These teachings inspire personal growth, moral behavior, and understanding of human relationships across cultures.
Are these quotes public domain?
Yes. Confucius lived over 2,500 years ago, and The Analects is in the public domain. You can freely use, publish, and share these quotes without copyright restrictions, making them ideal for educational, inspirational, and blogging purposes.
How can I apply Confucius’ teachings today?
Confucius’ teachings can guide modern life by promoting self-discipline, ethical decision-making, respect in relationships, and reflection on personal growth. Applying his wisdom helps in leadership, family, career, and society by encouraging harmony, virtue, and thoughtful action.
What is the best way to read Confucius’ quotes?
Read Confucius’ quotes slowly and reflectively. Focus on the meaning behind each saying rather than memorizing them. Journaling or discussing the quotes with others helps internalize the lessons and apply them to daily life and moral decisions.