A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.
— Confucius
The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.
He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.
The faults of a superior person are like the sun and moon. They have their faults, and everyone sees them; they change and everyone looks up to them.
I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.
If we don't know life, how can we know death?
When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it - this is knowledge.
Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.
Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.
I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.
The object of the superior man is truth.
The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
If some years were added to my life, I would give fifty to the study of the Yi, and then I might come to be without great faults.
To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
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 firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.
Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.
Study the past, if you would divine the future.
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.
To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.
He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
The cautious seldom err.
How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.
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.
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.
To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.
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.
Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.
Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.
Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.
They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
