Confucius was a Chinese social philosopher, whose teachings have a strong basis in common Chinese tradition and belief. He had a knack for nailing some big ideas in life and these quotes are no exception.
After digging around, here are my favorite 25 Confucius quotes. I hope they enlighten you as much as they have enlightened me!
On Progress
It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.
Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart.
Study the past if you would define the future.
The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential… these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.
On Learning
I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.
On the Present Moment
No matter where you go – there you are.
On the Real You
I want you to be everything that’s you, deep at the center of your being.
When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.
On Anger
When anger rises, think of the consequences.
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
On Knowledge
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.
Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.
On Beauty
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.
On Kindness
Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.
On Virtue
To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.
Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.
A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.
This post was republished from ideapod.com. You can find the original post here.
