Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese teacher, philosopher, and political theorist considered one of Chinese history’s most influential minds. He was not a religious leader; a follower once declared, “The Master never talked about spiritual beings, disorder, extraordinary things, or feats of strength.”
Born during the Zhou dynasty’s reign, near today’s Qufu in Shandong Province, Confucius’s original name was Kong Qiu. Later he was elevated to Kongfuzi (meaning “Master Kong” in recognition of his works,) which has come down to us as the Latinized Confucius.
Confucius was sent out to labor at age three to provide for his family after his father’s death. He took minor government jobs when he was a teenager and made an effort to search for erudite masters to educate him in the six arts: ritual, music, archery, chariot driving, calligraphy, and arithmetic. He then began to turn his thoughts to questions of morality and ethics.
Confucius’s primary ambition in life was to be a government administrator and put his philosophical ideas into action. But he became disenchanted with the activities of the rulers he served. He disapproved of what he observed as the moral degeneration of China after years of political conflict. He then became an itinerant teacher.
Much of Confucius’s work has survived as the Analects. His collection of sayings and ideas has survived through the Chinese oral tradition. His writings were first translated into English by the Scottish sinologist James Legge in 1867. Oxford University published a more understandable translation in 1907.
After Confucius’s death, Confucianism shaped the foundation for China’s state ideology and world philosophy. Confucius has dominated the thought and traditions of the Chinese for centuries, sometimes confronting but generally interrelating well with Buddhism and Daoism.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Confucius
Sincerity is that whereby self-completion is effected, and its way is that by which man must direct himself.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth … lust. When he is strong … quarrelsomeness. When he is old … covetousness.
—Confucius
Topics: How to Live
The superior man examines his heart, that there may be nothing wrong there, and that he may have no cause for dissatisfaction with himself. That wherein the superior man cannot be equaled is simply this — his work which other men cannot see.
—Confucius
Topics: Heart, Love
The mirror reflects all objects without being sullied
—Confucius
It was by music that the ancient kings gave elegant expression to their joy. By their armies and axes they gave the same to their anger.
—Confucius
Topics: Anger, Blame
I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep, for my shadow in the pool can do better than that.
—Confucius
Topics: Friendship, Friends
When you see a good man, think of emulating him; when you see a bad man, examine your own heart.
—Confucius
Topics: Goodness
The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtue
Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know men.
—Confucius
Topics: Words
What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.
—Confucius
Topics: Family, Fathers, Father
Can there be a love which does not make demands on its object?
—Confucius
Topics: Heart, Love
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
—Confucius
The superior man is aware of Righteousness, the inferior man is aware of advantage.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
—Confucius
Topics: Character
Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, see to the worthy of being known.
—Confucius
Topics: Achievements
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn’t correct it is committing another mistake.
—Confucius
Topics: Mistakes, Failures, Failure
There is one single thread binding my way together…the way of the Master consists in doing one’s best…that is all.
—Confucius
Topics: Action, Goodness, Excellence, Kindness, Virtue
A superior man is the one who is free from fear and anxieties.
—Confucius
Topics: Fear
Study the past, if you would define the future.
—Confucius
Topics: Time, How to Live, Past, The Past, Future
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
—Confucius
Topics: Character, Compassion, Wisdom
Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtue
Heaven means to be one with God.
—Confucius
Topics: Heaven
The superior man does not mind being in office; all he minds about is whether he has qualities that entitle him to office. He does not mind failing to get recognition; he is too busy doing the things that entitle him to recognition.
—Confucius
Topics: Praise
Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtues, Beauty
Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.
—Confucius
Topics: Vice, Virtue
Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
—Confucius
Topics: Virtue
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
—Confucius
Topics: Respectability, Respect, Character
The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
—Confucius
Topics: Business, Men, Rightness, Right
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