1,153 Quotes by Confucius

Guide the people by law, subdue them by punishment; they may shun crime, but will be void of shame. Guide them by example, subdue them by courtesy; they will learn shame, and come to be good.

Man is born for uprightness. If a man lose his uprightness and yet live, his escape from death is mere good fortune.

The proper man understands equity, the small man profits.

I saw some piglets suckling their dead mother. After a short while they shuddered and went away. They had sensed that she could no longer see them and that she wasn't like them any more. What they loved in their mother wasn't her body, but whatever it was that made her body live.

Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak!

There are 3 elements essential in the matters of the State, Food, Military equipment, and Confidence of the people in the ruler. Of these 3, Military Equipment is the least important, Food being the 2nd important, and Confidence of the people being the MOST important. All men rather die of starvation than in war, but nevertheless all men do die of old age. Lacking in Confidence from the people, a state cannot survive.

Who heeds not the future will find sorrow at hand

To know that one knows what one knows, and to know that one doesn't know what one doesn't know, there lies true wisdom.

The gentleman prefers to be slow in word but diligent in action.