Confucius

Quotes by Confucius

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

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.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

 The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

When you are labouring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.