1,153 Quotes by Confucius

The commander of the forces of a large State may be carried off, but the will of even a common man cannot be taken from him.

Coarse rice to eat, water to drink, my bended arm for a pillow - therein is happiness. Wealth and rank attained through immoral means are nothing but drifting clouds.

By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.

If my mind is not engaged in my worship, it is as though I worshipped not.

When three persons work together, each can be the teacher in some aspects

You cannot prevent the birds of sadness from passing over your head, but you can prevent them from making nests in your hair.

Care not for want of place; care for thy readiness to fill one. Care not for being unknown, but seek to be worthy of note.

Let a ruler base his government upon virtuous principles, and he will be like the pole-star, which remains steadfast in its place, while all the host of stars turn towards it

To see what is right and not to do it, is want of courage.