1,153 Quotes by Confucius

A superior man may be made to go to the well, but he cannot be made to go down into it. He may be imposed upon, but he cannot be fooled.

First and foremost, be faithful to your superiors, keep all promises, refuse the friendship of all who are not like you; and if you have made a mistake, do not be afraid of admitting the fact and amending your ways.

Look for an occupation that you like, and you will not need to labor for a single day in your life.

There are cases in which the blade springs, but the plant does not go on to flower. There are cases where it flowers, but no fruit is subsequently produced.

Ceremonies are the first thing to be attended to in the practice of government.

I have yet to meet a man as fond of high moral conduct as he is of outward appearances.

In vain I have looked for a single man capable of seeing his own faults and bringing the charge home against himself.

Surely it is the maxim of loving-kindness: Do not unto others that you would not have them do unto you.

To lead uninstructed people to war is to throw them away.