Confucius quotes are some of the most favorite quotes by people all over the world, because they impart knowledge about man’s social responsibility.
Confucius is a Chinese philosopher whose influence in social philosophy remains the basis of modern politics. He was born around 551 B.C. in the Shandong Province of China. The country has been under constant conflict due to the competition among Chinese states and the oppressive rule of the Chou Empire. The constant competition brought about a huge decline in people’s morality, which Confucius did not fail to see. He felt compelled to tell his countrymen about the philosophy that he has formed, based on moral obligation, tradition, and compassion and self-discipline.
He also believed that the problem with the sixth century-China was that leaders lack the same morality that their followers do. The sense of correctness, self-discipline, humility, and compassion makes a good leader, for it is from him that his followers will learn the right conduct. Furthermore, he promotes the type of education that specialize in six major art forms: Computation, Archery, Music, Chariot-driving, Calligraphy, and Ritual. His works reflect his advocacy of bringing back the morally-upright China by upholding the traditional values.
Confucius is known for writing aphorisms – short statements that is supposed to give a moral lesson. He is credited for many books that contain valuable aphorisms regarding man’s ability to create a just society by maintaining compassion and self-discipline.
His teachings are deep and meaningful such that his followers made a system based from his name and teachings, the Confucianism. All over the world Confucius is known for his teachings with emphasis on morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, sincerity and kindness.
Here are some of Confucius quotes that will surely change your life:
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ― Confucius
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” ― Confucius
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” ― Confucius
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” ― Confucius
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” ― Confucius
“You cannot open a book without learning something.” ― Confucius
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” ― Confucius
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” ― Confucius
“It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs.” ― 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
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.” ― Confucius
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” ― Confucius
“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.” ― Confucius
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” ― Confucius
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” ― Confucius
“The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” ― Confucius
“I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.” ― Confucius
“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius
“The man of wisdom is never of two minds;
the man of benevolence never worries;
the man of courage is never afraid.” – Confucius
“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” – Confucius
“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; we must first set our hearts right.” – Confucius
“The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” – Confucius
“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.” – Confucius
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” – Confucius
“If there is righteousness in the heart, 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.” – Confucius
“A common man marvels at uncommon things. A wise man marvels at the commonplace.” – Confucius
“The superior man, when resting in safety, does not forget that danger may come. When in a state of security he does not forget the possibility of ruin. When all is orderly, he does not forget that disorder may come. Thus his person is not endangered, and his States and all their clans are preserved.” – Confucius
“Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” – Confucius
“A man of humanity is one who, in seeking to establish himself, finds a foothold for others and who, in desiring attaining himself, helps others to attain.” – Confucius
“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 wise do not lose people, nor do they waste their breath.” – Confucius
I hope you enjoyed reading these Confucius quotes. If there's a specific quote of Confucius that you like but wasn't mentioned, then be sure to leave a comment below and let us know what that is!