1,153 Quotes by Confucius

Waste begets self-will; thrift begets meanness: but better be mean than self-willed.

In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself.

A gentleman is calm and spacious: the vulgar are always fretting.

Sincerity is that whereby self-completion is effected, and its way is that by which man must direct himself.

Be loyal and trustworthy. Do not befriend anyone who is lower than yourself in this regard.

The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.

The main object of conciliation lies in reaching a solution to a case based upon morals and with a warm heart.

The superior man has nothing to compete for. But if he must compete, he does it in an archery match, wherein he ascends to his position, bowing in deference. Descending, he drinks the ritual cup.

If doing what ought to be done be made the first business and success a secondary consideration--is not this the way to exalt virtue?