Confucius was a Chinese philosopher during the Spring and Autumn period, a period in Chinese history from roughly 771 to 476 BCE. Considered as one of the most influential figures in history, the impact of his teachings and philosophy is vast and relevant. It manifests up to this day by being the foundation of East Asian culture and society.
His philosophy, which became the system of thought and behavior called Confucianism, focused on morality of man as an individual and a public servant. It also emphasized nobility, compassion, honesty, and applying these to nourish social relationships. His teachings have survived many dynasties even after suppression during the Qin dynasty.
For more than two millennia, Confucianism continues to be the basis of Chinese people’s way of life. It may have transformed over time, but the essence remains the same. Confucius’ philosophical influence also expanded and was recognized in other parts of the world. In the West, it developed into Neo-Confucianism, and later New Confucianism.
To help you deal and understand things in your life that may be confusing, these 30 Confucius quotes could help you recognize who you really are and what you need.
Remarkable Confucius Quotes
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart. – Confucius
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it. – Confucius
If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake. – Confucius
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. – 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
Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life. – Confucius
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others. – Confucius
Worry not that no one knows you; seek to be worth knowing. – Confucius
It is not the failure of others to appreciate your abilities that should trouble you, but rather your failure to appreciate theirs. – 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
To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge. – Confucius
You cannot open a book without learning something. – Confucius
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. – Confucius
What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. – Confucius
Study the past if you would define the future. – Confucius
Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more. – Confucius
The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell. – Confucius
They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. – Confucius
You will never know how sharp a sword is unless it’s drawn from its sheath. – Confucius
Silence is a true friend who never betrays. – Confucius
Things that are done, it is needless to speak about…things that are past, it is needless to blame. – Confucius
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. – Confucius
Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts. – Confucius
Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon or star. – Confucius
The Essence of Knowledge is, having it, to use it. – Confucius
Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change. – Confucius
If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent. – Confucius
The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper name. – Confucius
The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid. – Confucius
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of man. – Confucius
Share these 30 Confucius quotes – your family and friends may need to read and hear some of his golden pieces of life advice.
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