1,153 Quotes by Confucius

To rein a kingdom efficiently it is necessary, before all, to put into good order the family. It's impossible for a man who doesn't know how to lead his own family to know how to lead a country.

To learn and from time to time to apply what one has learned - isn't that a pleasure?

The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting.

Knowing something is not as good as liking it. Liking something is not as good as rejoicing in it.

Though Confucius served the Duke of Lu, a Chinese state, he made many enemies with the nobles of the land. His views antagonized the powerful nobles, who wanted the Duke to be a puppet in their hands. Confucius was exiled from the State of Lu for more than two decades. He lived in the countryside, spreading his teachings.

True wisdom is knowing what you don't know

If one learns from others, but does not think, one will be bewildered. If, on the other hand, one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

Every house guest brings you happiness. Some when they arrive, and some when they are leaving