1,153 Quotes by Confucius

The superior man is quiet and calm, waiting for the appointments of heaven, while the mean man walks in dangerous paths, looking for lucky occurrences.

When nature exceeds culture, we have the rustic. When culture exceeds nature then we the pedant.

Only through education does one come to be dissatisfied with his own knowledge, and only through teaching others does one come to realize the uncomfortable inadequacy of his knowledge. Being dissatisfied with his own knowledge, one then realizes that the trouble lies with himself, and realizing the uncomfortable inadequacy of his knowledge one then feels stimulated to improve himself. Therefore, it is said, "the processes of teaching and learning stimulate one another."

In your promises cleave to what is right, And you will be able to fulfill your word.

The superior man is easy to serve, but difficult to please ... The inferior man is difficult to serve, but easy to please.

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow - I have still joy in the midst of all these things.

Everyone calls his son his son, whether he has talents or has not talents.

Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.

When the multitude detests a man, inquiry is necessary; when the multitude likes a man, inquiry is equally necessary.