Table of Contents
Introduction
Confucius (551-479 B.C.) was an ancient Chinese teacher, philosopher, and political thinker. He is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential teachers in China who made education more accessible to the general public.
The philosophy of Confucianism, as documented in The Analects, focuses on the concepts of ethics, morality, devotion to the family, principles of ethical governance, and social harmony.
As we explore the wisdom of Confucius’ sayings, we enter a world of timeless ancient wisdom that transcends cultural boundaries and is still relevant in our fast-paced world today.
In this blog post, I’ve personally handpicked and analyzed 110 best Confucius quotes on life, love, wisdom, education, success, family, philosophy, and more. So, let’s dive right in…
36 Best Confucius Quotes About Life
The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
When we ask questions, we acknowledge that we do not understand something, and we humbly allow ourselves to learn and grow.
Basically, asking questions stems from curiosity, which fuels our intellectual exploration and advancement. The person who is courageous enough to ask questions opens themselves up to wisdom, knowledge, and personal development.
On the other hand, the one unwilling to ask questions remains foolish forever. By remaining silent and withholding their questions, they limit their ability to learn. And ironically, this silence is basically nothing but a self-imposed ignorance that stunts their intellectual growth.
In short, it is only after letting go of our fear of momentary foolishness that we can achieve lifelong wisdom.
Life is really simple,
Confucius
but we insist on making it complicated.
Everything has beauty,
Confucius
but not everyone sees it.
Respect yourself
Confucius
and others will respect you.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
Revenge is fueled by anger and the desire for punishment, which is a dangerous path with unpredictable outcomes.
The metaphor of digging two graves is rich in symbolism. On a literal level, revenge represents the potential for both the victim and the perpetrator to be consumed by it. This leaves both of them trapped in a never-ending battle that ultimately destroys their humanity and compassion.
On a metaphorical level, the act of digging two graves represents how revenge damages our emotional and moral well-being. By seeking revenge, we destroy our sense of peace and inner harmony, leading to bitterness and resentment for a lifetime.
In essence, Confucius’ timeless quote highlights the long-term consequences of revenge, both for ourselves and for the world around us. Only by embracing understanding and forgiveness can we build a future rooted in harmony.
Wheresoever you go,
Confucius
go with all your heart.
Time flows away like the water in the river.
Confucius
Things that are done,
Confucius
it is needless to speak about.
Things that are past,
it is needless to blame.
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
Mistakes are inherent parts of human experience. And what sets individuals of character apart is not the absence of mistakes, but their willingness to admit them and fix them.
By not taking corrective action, we basically compound the original mistake, letting it linger and perhaps worsen over time.
That’s why recognizing our mistakes and correcting them requires us to acknowledge our imperfections.
So, let us embrace a growth mindset, where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for self-reflection, learning, and improvement. Because ultimately, it is through the continuous process of rectifying our mistakes that we will achieve true integrity and personal growth.
We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.
Confucius
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
Confucius
Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.
Confucius
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
The comparison between a flawed diamond and a flawless pebble in this quote seems contradictory since diamonds are usually associated with brilliance, while pebbles symbolize insignificance.
On a literal level, a diamond is valued for its rarity, beauty, and durability. On the other hand, a pebble, despite being flawless, lacks the unique qualities that make a diamond stand out.
And by drawing this analogy, Confucius draws attention to the inherent worth of individuals and the importance of accepting imperfections.
To put it in simple words, we do not become inferior because of our flaws. In fact, these flaws set us apart from those who appear perfect but lack genuine character traits.
By nature, men are nearly alike;
Confucius
by practice, they get to be wide apart.
A lion chased me up a tree, and I greatly enjoyed the view from the top.
Confucius
What you don´t want done to yourself,
Confucius
do not do to others.
If I give a student one-fourth of what he should know, I expect him to get the other three-fourths himself, otherwise I do not want him as a student.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
According to Confucius, intellectual growth happens when students are intrigued by learning and driven by curiosity. Instead of being spoonfed, Confucius encourages students to seek out further understanding and expand their intellectual horizons on their own.
From a teacher’s perspective, this quote emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning environment. It is the teacher’s responsibility to inspire and guide students toward independent exploration, empowering them to take an active role in their education.
By equipping students with the necessary tools and instilling intrinsic motivation, teachers can cultivate a passion for learning that transcends the classroom.
It is only in this way that education develops critical thinking skills, broadens perspectives, and helps students navigate the world’s complexities.
He who will not economize will have to agonize.
Confucius
I slept and dreamt life is beauty,
Confucius
I woke and found life is duty.
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.
Confucius
The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
The green reed has the ability to adapt and bend to the pressure of the wind. Unlike oaks, which resist the wind’s blows until they are broken, reeds gracefully sway and adapt to the changing forces around them.
Ironically, the oak’s refusal to adapt, despite all its strength, leaves it at risk of destruction. On the other hand, the reed’s ability to bend and flow allows it to endure and overcome challenges.
So, fundamentally, strength lies not just in our steadfastness, but also in our ability to adjust without compromising our values and principles.
And by embracing this philosophy, we can enhance our personal growth and cope with life’s ever-changing circumstances in a confident way.
Fix your mind on truth,
Confucius
hold firm to virtue,
rely on loving kindness,
and find your recreation in the Arts.
Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.
Confucius
Courtesy, generosity, honesty,
Confucius
persistence, and kindness.
If you are courteous,
you will not be disrespected;
if you are generous,
you will gain everything.
If you are honest,
people will rely on you.
If you are persistent,
you will get results.
If you are kind,
you can employ people.
Don’t do unto others
Confucius
what you don’t want done unto you.
Brief Analysis
This seemingly straightforward statement by Confucius captures the essence of empathy, reciprocity, and moral responsibility.
At its core, this quote reminds us to consider the consequences of our actions and to treat others as we would like to be treated. By placing ourselves in others’ shoes, we gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of human existence.
In a way, by abstaining from actions that harm or discomfort others, we actively contribute to building a world that values dignity and well-being for all.
The truth is, our actions have consequences beyond ourselves. And that’s why we need to take responsibility for our behavior in order to cultivate a more compassionate and just society.
Forget injuries,
Confucius
never forget kindnesses.
Think of tomorrow,
Confucius
the past can’t be mended.
Worry not that no one knows you;
Confucius
seek to be worth knowing.
The Master said,
Confucius
“If your conduct is determined solely by considerations of profit you will arouse great resentment.”
Brief Analysis
This quote implies that an individual’s behavior should not only be guided by personal gain, but also by the welfare of others. This is because self-centered behavior can disrupt a community’s harmony and social dynamic.
In Confucian ethics, virtues such as benevolence, righteousness, and propriety are given the highest priority. The pursuit of profit, when detached from ethical considerations, can create a moral vacuum, where personal gain dictates our actions.
This, in turn, undermines moral society’s fabric. When profit becomes the sole compass for decision-making, it can lead to disregard for the common good. Consequently, resentment builds among those who bear the pain of such actions leading to a fractured sense of community.
In essence, Confucius encourages us to take a holistic approach to our conduct-one that balances individual aspirations with a genuine concern for others.
Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.
Confucius
To be wronged is nothing,
Confucius
unless you continue to remember it.
Your life is what your thoughts make it.
Confucius
When anger rises,
Confucius
think of the consequences.
Brief Analysis
Anger is an emotion that can cloud our judgment and make it difficult to act rationally.
That’s why weighing the consequences when angry can be a powerful way to avoid regrettable actions. By taking a step back, we shift our focus from the anger itself to a more comprehensive perspective.
Through this lens, anger becomes a catalyst for personal transformation, rather than an uncontrollable force that dictates our behavior.
And that’s how we can transcend the limitations of anger and develop emotional intelligence to navigate the conflicts and challenges of life with grace and dignity.
Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.
Confucius
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
Confucius
We should feel sorrow,
Confucius
but not sink under its oppression.
16 Confucius Quotes on Wisdom
By three methods
Confucius
we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection,
which is noblest;
Second, by imitation,
which is easiest;
and third by experience,
which is the bitterest.
Brief Analysis
Confucius believed that the first method of learning wisdom, reflection, is the noblest. Reflection requires a certain level of intellectual and emotional maturity. By taking the time to reflect, we recognize our strengths and weaknesses and cultivate a more profound understanding of ourselves and the world.
The second method, imitation, is portrayed as the easiest path to wisdom. Imitation allows us to draw inspiration from those who have already walked the path we aspire to follow. However, imitation must be balanced with critical thinking to incorporate the wisdom we gain into our own lives.
The third and final method, experience, is the stingiest. This is because wisdom acquired through personal experience often comes at a cost. The bitterness of experience lies in its potential pain and hardship, but it also provides a depth of insight and resilience unlike anything else.
To sum it up, by contemplating these methods, we realize that wisdom requires a delicate balance between reflection, imitation, and personal development. There is no way around it.
He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.
Confucius
When a wise man points at the moon the imbecile examines the finger.
Confucius
The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name.
Confucius
Don’t complain about the snow on your neighbor’s roof when your own doorstep is unclean.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
We all have the tendency to criticize and belittle others while overlooking our own faults.
The snow on a neighbor’s roof is a symbol of the visible parts of people’s lives that are often judged without understanding the context or challenges they face. It is easy to cast judgment on others without knowing their circumstances or the flaws we carry.
On the other hand, the unclean doorstep symbolizes our own flaws and responsibilities. In any case, before we can judge others, we first need to rectify our own shortcomings.
So, let us take charge of our own flaws and responsibilities rather than criticize others.
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
Confucius
The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting.
Confucius
What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.
Confucius
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
How can both the wisest and the stupidest individuals oppose change?
The truth is that there are always two different forms of steadfastness: one grounded in wisdom and the other in ignorance.
The “wisest” have a profound understanding of the world and possess a profound sense of self-awareness. They have acquired their knowledge through steadfast learning, and reflection.
On the other hand, the “stupidest” individuals lack the intellectual capacity or willingness to think critically. In other words, their ignorance prevents them from gaining new perspectives, which prevents them from growing as individuals.
Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge.
Confucius
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
Confucius
When everyone hates a person,
Confucius
you should investigate thoroughly,
and when everyone loves a person,
you should also investigate thoroughly.
Act with kindness,
Confucius
but do not expect gratitude.
Brief Analysis
It’s natural for us to expect an acknowledgment or a word of thanks when we extend a helping hand to others. It’s our way of knowing that our kindness has been appreciated.
However, we need to remember that kindness is not a transaction. It should arise from sincere intention. It is the act of kindness itself that should bring us fulfillment, not anticipating gratitude.
This is because expecting gratitude can cultivate a sense of entitlement. And by letting go of our desire for praise, we free ourselves from the need to be validated.
All in all, true gratitude is born from genuine appreciation, not an obligation. And only when gratitude arises naturally, it is genuine and benefits both the giver and the receiver.
The way of the superior person is threefold;
Confucius
virtuous, they are free from anxieties;
wise they are free from perplexities;
and bold they are free from fear.
A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace.
Confucius
If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.
Confucius
Also Read: Insightful Aristotle Quotes on Life, Wisdom & Education (Explained)
15 Confucius Quotes on Success
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
In a world that demands and expects so much, it is easy to lose motivation when our pace seems slow. But the truth is that the speed of our progress does not determine our worth alone.
This is because life is a journey, and like any journey, it is full of challenges and obstacles that test our strength. It is in these moments that we should remember that it is okay to move slowly, as long as we do not stop.
By keeping a steady pace, we can appreciate the little things along the way. Each new step becomes an accomplishment in itself.
So, let us remember that progress is not a sprint, but a long and steady march. And with every step forward, we inch closer to our goals.
The man who moves a mountain,
Confucius
begins by carrying away small stones.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
Confucius
The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
Confucius
Give a bowl of rice to a man and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
This quote demonstrates the importance of empowering others through education and self-sufficiency. We should look beyond short-term fixes and focus on long-lasting solutions.
The metaphor of providing a bowl of rice versus teaching someone how to grow it shows that while giving someone a bowl of rice addresses an immediate need, it fails to address the underlying issue of hunger and poverty.
By teaching someone a skill, we equip them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and build a better future for themselves.
So, let us move beyond just donating money and invest in imparting knowledge and skills as a society.
Settle one difficulty,
Confucius
and you keep a hundred away.
He who chases two rabbits,
Confucius
catches none.
You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it’s drawn from its sheath.
Confucius
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
Modesty in speech is an art that many aspire to master, but few actually master. It is easy to be carried away by the charm of showing off but Confucius urges us to pause and reflect on whether what we say holds any weight.
The superior man always directs his energy in a meaningful direction. Like a master painter who carefully selects brushstrokes, he uses actions to convey an authentic and meaningful message.
Essentially, a superior man walks the talk. It is his accomplishments, not his proclamations, that prove his greatness.
So, let’s tone down our words with modesty while unleashing a wave of impactful actions. Because this is how, my friends, we can rise above the noise and make a lasting difference.
Roads were made for journeys,
Confucius
not destinations.
The man who says he can,
Confucius
and the man who says he cannot,
are both correct.
Choose a job you love,
Confucius
and you will never have to
work a day in your life.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling,
Confucius
but in rising every time we fall.
Brief Analysis
It’s important to remember that success is not an uninterrupted streak of accomplishments. True greatness is not measured by the absence of failure, but by how we handle it.
Falling represents the moments when our ambitions and aspirations clash with reality, when our plans collapse, and our efforts fail. It is precisely these moments that offer opportunities for growth and transformation.
Whatever form it takes, failure eventually leads us to introspection and self-improvement. It allows us to identify our weaknesses and improve our skills.
All in all, this quote provides a refreshingly humble and realistic perspective that challenges us to rethink glory and shift our focus from avoiding failure to conquering it.
He that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.
Confucius
The will to win, the desire to succeed,
Confucius
the urge to reach your full potential…
these are the keys that will unlock the
door to personal excellence.
12 Confucius Quotes on Education
Education breeds confidence.
Confucius
Confidence breeds hope.
Hope breeds peace.
Brief Analysis
Education equips us to navigate the complexity of the world. This self-awareness is the foundation of confidence that ultimately leads to people believing in themselves and their potential.
Confidence, as a byproduct of education, instills a firm belief that challenges can be overcome and goals can be achieved. Ultimately, this fuels the inner flame of hope, driving progress on both an individual and societal level.
The emergence of hope, nurtured by confidence, creates ripple effects that transform lives. Hope transcends individual boundaries and encompasses entire communities, societies, and even nations.
At the end of the day, hope leads to peace. The concept of peace, in this context, goes beyond the absence of conflict. In short, education builds confidence, hope, and peace within individuals and society at large.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
Confucius
Study the past
Confucius
if you would define the future.
To see what is right and not do it
Confucius
is the worst cowardice.
Those who know the TRUTH
Confucius
are not equal to those who love it.
Brief Analysis
One of the central concepts of Confucianism is ‘Ren’, which encompasses generosity, compassion, and love. Confucius believed that wisdom and enlightenment are not limited to intellectual pursuits but require a heartfelt commitment to moral conduct.
In this context, knowledge, in its purest form, becomes revolutionary when combined with deep love and appreciation of truth. While knowing the truth provides some understanding, it is the emotional connection to that truth that has a greater impact.
This interpretation aligns with Confucius’ emphasis on the unity of knowledge and action, where ethical principles are reflected in a person’s actions.
In short, we need to approach knowledge with humility and a sincere commitment to utilizing it for the benefit of everyone.
The Master said,
Confucius
“The gentleman understands what is right, whereas the petty man understands profit.”
If your plan is for one year plant rice.
Confucius
If your plan is for ten years plant trees.
If your plan is for one hundred years,
educate children.
Learn advidly. Question it repeatedly. Analyze it carefully.
Confucius
Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.
I hear and I forget.
Confucius
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
Brief Analysis
“I hear and I forget.” means that merely hearing something is often insufficient to linger in our minds. We are constantly exposed to countless bits of information, but without intentional effort to comprehend what we hear, information is easily forgotten.
“I see and I remember.” shows that visual representations leave a stronger imprint on our minds. Visual experiences help recall information with greater clarity and detail due to their tangible nature. But there’s still one degree left.
And that is “I do and I understand.” By actively participating, experimenting, and applying what we have learned, we gain a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of any task at hand.
By putting ourselves fully into the subject matter, we build a closer connection to the knowledge we seek. Ultimately, it is through taking action that we can master life’s complexities in a wise and insightful way.
Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it.
Confucius
Three things cannot long be hidden:
Confucius
the sun, the moon, and the truth.
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.
Confucius
7 Confucius Quotes on Philosophy
The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
The darkness of the room in this quote symbolizes the vast expanse of the unknown, symbolizing the uncertainties and mysteries that surround us in life that are beyond our immediate understanding.
The black cat, on the other hand, signifies the sought-after truth, whether it is knowledge, success, happiness, or any other deeply personal desire. It is a symbol of what we strive to find, often buried beneath the shadow of uncertainty.
Confucius’s inclusion of the phrase “especially if there is no cat” suggests that truth can be hidden in darkness, but also nonexistent.
In short, we need to develop a sense of curiosity tempered with wisdom to navigate the darkness of the unknown with humility, acknowledging that sometimes the greatest challenge is not only finding the black cat but also understanding.
Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.
Confucius
Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.
Confucius
Return good for good;
Confucius
return evil with justice.
If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher.
Confucius
I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.
Brief Analysis
Every encounter in life gives us the chance to grow and develop as individuals.
The first principle of Confucius’ philosophy in this statement is to adopt the positive qualities of those around us. Look at their admirable and inspiring traits and cultivate them within yourself to improve your moral character.
However, we should extend our focus to the flaws of others and correct our own shortcomings in the process. This way, we can correct our own weaknesses and strive to become better people.
And through the dual process of imitating positive qualities and eliminating unproductive habits, we can gradually create a more harmonious society.
I am not an originator but a transmitter.
Confucius
Ignorance is the night of the mind,
Confucius
but a night without moon or star.
Also Read: Thomas Hobbes Quotes on Life, War, Government & Philosophy (Analyzed)
6 Confucius Quotes About Love
To love a thing means
Confucius
wanting it to live.
Brief Analysis
Love, in its truest form, goes beyond mere affection or attachment, it involves a deep-seated desire to see the person we love prosper.
When Confucius speaks of “a thing,” it refers to a broad range of options. It could be love for a person, for an animal, for a natural phenomenon, for an idea, or even for a non-living object.
To love a thing, then, is to embrace a sense of responsibility for nurturing and protecting it. And when we do this, love becomes an active force, inspiring us to support and protect what we value.
Ultimately, love is not a passive sentiment; it is an active force propelling us to live life to the fullest. In this way, love serves as a transformative force, influencing both our individual lives and the fate of mankind as a whole.
It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works.
Confucius
All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
The superior man loves his soul;
Confucius
the inferior man loves his property.
Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.
Confucius
Love others as you would love yourself, judge others as you would judge yourself, cherish others as you would cherish yourself.
Confucius
When you wish for others as you wish for yourself and when you protect others as you would protect yourself, that’s when you can say it’s true love.
Brief Analysis
To love others as we love ourselves is to recognize the universality that binds us together.
When we place ourselves in others’ shoes, we develop a greater understanding of their life’s complexities and challenges. I believe this allows us to judge them with fairness and support them instead of belittling them.
In this way, love essentially becomes a selfless desire for happiness and success for all. This kind of selflessness transcends personal gain and connects people like nothing else.
In essence, we should love ourselves and others so deeply that it shapes the fabric of our relationships with one another.
Love is like a spice.
Confucius
It can sweeten your life –
however, it can spoil it, too.
4 Confucius Quotes on Youth & Aging
There are three things which
Confucius
the superior man guards against.
In youth…
lust.
When he is strong…
quarrelsomeness.
When he is old…
covetousness.
Brief Analysis
Confucius stressed the importance of self-control and controlling our desires in his teachings. Lust, in youth, refers not only to physical desire but also to any excessive craving or attachment that hinders moral development. This way, young people can develop self-discipline and focus on more than just immediate gratification.
Moving on to the next stage, Confucius advises the “superior man” to avoid quarrelsomeness when he is strong. Here, strength refers to the peak of our physical and mental capabilities. In other words, true strength lies not in physical prowess or dominance over others, but in maintaining harmony and resolving conflict peacefully.
And finally, with age, people usually become possessive or excessively attached to material possessions. Covetousness refers to an insatiable desire for wealth and power. Confucius reminds us to focus on inner virtues rather than external acquisitions.
Confucius believed in the potential of everyone to strive for self-improvement and moral excellence throughout their lives. And this quote perfectly illustrates the importance of self-awareness, self-control, and cultivating virtue at different stages of our lives.
A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present? If he reach the age of forty or fifty, and has not made himself heard of, then indeed he will not be worth being regarded with respect.
Confucius
A youth, when at home, should be filial, and, abroad, respectful to his elders.
Confucius
Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing.
Confucius
It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
4 Confucius Quotes on Family
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
Developing and maintaining strong family values is crucial to the strength of any nation.
When trust, honesty, respect, compassion, and responsibility are upheld within the household, children will grow up to be responsible, virtuous individuals.
The concept of home transcends the physical structure of a home. Family serves as a microcosm of society. Integrity in the home, in which moral values are followed, sets an example for ethical conduct and civic responsibility in the wider society.
By nurturing an environment of moral values and responsibility within the home, societies can lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Because it is in these homes that a harmonious and robust society is cultivated.
If there is righteousness in the heart,
Confucius
there will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.
If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nations.
When there is order in the nations,
there will peace in the world.
To put the world in order,
Confucius
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;
we must first set our hearts right.
It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.
Confucius
4 Confucius Quotes About Friendship
Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
Surrounding ourselves with friends who are more knowledgeable & accomplished than we are is helpful for our own personal growth. By surrounding ourselves with people that we admire, we are likely to be inspired to rise to their level.
These friends’ achievements serve as benchmarks for our own progress, motivating us to strive for excellence. As a result, we become more receptive to their guidance, wisdom, and expertise in life.
The bad influence of bad friendships is perfectly in line with Confucian teachings about cultivating virtue and moral character, since the company we keep deeply influences us.
However, “Better” does not necessarily refer to financial wealth or intelligence alone. Instead, it encompasses a holistic view of the professional and moral personal development of a person.
To study and constantly, is this not a pleasure?
Confucius
To have friends come from far away places, is this not a joy?
If people do not recognize your worth, but this does not worry you, are you not a true gentleman?
It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.
Confucius
I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep; for my shadow in the pool can do better than that.
Confucius
3 Confucius Quotes About Government
To be wealthy and honored in an unjust society is a disgrace.
Confucius
Brief Analysis
In Confucius’ view, wealth and honor lose their intrinsic worth when acquired in an unjust society.
In an unjust society, wealth and opportunities are unequally distributed, favoring a select group while marginalizing others. Consequently, attaining wealth and honor in such a context can be seen as an expression of involvement with injustice.
That’s why we need to consider the broader ethical implications of our actions before prioritizing our own interests. In other words, wealth and honor cannot be pursued separately from society’s collective well-being.
So, let us all strive for a society where wealth and honor are earned through virtue and constant dedication to justice.
You can force the people to obey;
Confucius
you cannot force them to understand.
In a country well governed,
Confucius
poverty is something to be ashamed of.
In a country badly governed,
wealth is something to be ashamed of.
3 Confucius Quotes on Happiness
He who is really kind,
Confucius
can never be unhappy.
Brief Analysis
In order to grasp the essence of this quote, we need to recognize the inherent connection between kindness and happiness.
Kindness is a catalyst for happiness. When we embrace kindness, we align ourselves with principles that facilitate inner peace.
Kindness is a gift that benefits both the giver and the receiver. It creates a chain reaction that inspires compassion and generosity in others. In this way, kindness transforms not only an individual’s life but also positively influences the world around them.
So, let us be kind to one another and allow kindness to shape our lives, for in kindness, happiness finds its home for eternity.
And remember,
Confucius
no matter where you go, there you are.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Confucius
