Quotes
Famous Confucius Quotes to Make You Wiser
If we read world history, we will find many influencing and motivating personalities who have created benchmarks. Their lives not only inspired us but instilled the right paths to follow to improve our lifestyle.
There is a great saying, “people are not born great, but their work and contribution towards society and humans make them great.” One of those names is Confucius. His name is among the most celebrated philosopher of all time in world history. Different times in world history, portrayed Confucius as a great philosopher, teacher, mentor, editor, activist, and prophet.
His holy name “Confucius” came from a combination of Kang’s surname and the honorific suffix master. Many concepts and cultural practices in East Asia, mentioned his name, making him arguably one of the most significant thinkers in East Asian history.
Life of Confucius
The great philosopher Confucius was born at the end of an era known as spring and autumn in Chinese history. The time was the 6th century BCE. He belonged to the original state of eastern China, known as Lu. As per many reports, Confucius’s early ancestors are the “Kongs” from the state of song, who was known as an aristocratic family that produced several proficient counsellors for the song rulers. In the mid of the 7th century BCE, the family lost their political standing and wealth.
Confucius is believed to live from C.551 to C. 479 BCE. He worked for the Prince of Lu in various positions. Later he started travelling widely in China while meeting with several minor adventurers, including incarceration that lasted for five days due to a case of mistaken identity. But you will be surprised to know that he calmly played his stringed instrument until the error was uncovered. After returning to his hometown, Confucius founded his own school for offering the teaching of the ancients to the students.
Confucius never considered himself a creator, but instead, he called himself a transmitter of the ancient moral traditions. His school was open to all classes, including rich and poor.
Confucius’s Works
Confucius started writing while teaching in his own school. He has two poetry collections, “The book of odes” and “The book of documents.” He also has written the spring and autumn annals telling the history of Lu and the “Book of changes” which consists of a collection of treatises of prophecy.
Confucius was the analects, although there is no evidence that the sayings and short stories he wrote or said are by him.
Confucianism
Confucianism is one of the most influential religious philosophies in Chinese history that existed for more than 2500 years. It has morality, inner virtue, and respect for the community and values.
Confucianism is also the foundation of much of the Chinese culture. It is more an ethical guide to life than a religion. Confucianism is a moral and social philosophy that establishes institutions and values in Chinese society. Though it was a part of the Chinese social structure, it became that way of life for many people from different religious views.
As per the belief of Confucianism, every human being has a set of defined rules and obligations. Every individual, the family can reform the perfect society if they act rightly. Confucianism was considered to be a blueprint of great learning for the rest of the world.
Some Fun Facts About Confucius
- Confucius was an expert in six leading arts, including arithmetic, ritual, calligraphy, charioteering, and archery. He also studied poetry and history. His wide range of teachings and works is evident that he was highly knowledgeable.
- He started his teaching career in 527 BCE when he was just 24 years old. He wanted to reform the leadership quality into people through his teaching.
- Confucius always followed the kindness principle as the central philosophy of his teaching. He believed that people reflect goodness in the way they interact with others.
- He is probably not the writer of his 5 most famous classics.
- Confucius died even before Confucianism became popular.
- 13 times the emperors of different Chinese dynasties rebuilt and repaired his symmetry.
- Every year between September 26th to October 10th, the hometown of Confucius Qufu celebrates his legacy through worshipping ceremonies and performances.
Famous Confucius Quotes to Divulge His Greatness
Confucius Quotes
“Wherever you go, Go with all your heart.” — Confucius
“They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.” — Confucius
“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” — Confucius
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” — Confucius
“Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.” — Confucius
“In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.” — Confucius
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.” — Confucius
“Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.” — Confucius
“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.” — Confucius
“Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?” — Confucius
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” — Confucius
Inspiring Quotes From Confucius Quotes
- “It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
- “Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” — Confucius
- “He that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” — Confucius
- “When anger rises, think of the consequences.” — Confucius
- “Study the past if you want to intuit the future.” — Confucius
- “The man who says he can, and the man who says he cannot… are both correct.” — Confucius
- “Respect yourself and others will respect you.” — Confucius
- “All people are the same; only their habits differ.” — Confucius
- “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” — Confucius
- “When anger rises, think of the consequences.” — Confucius
- “To see what is right, and not to do it, wants of courage or of principle.” — Confucius
- “You cannot open a book without learning something.” — Confucius
Confucius Quotes About Questioning
“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” — Confucius
“Do not do to others what you do not want doing to yourself.” — Confucius
“They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.” — Confucius
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” — Confucius
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” — Confucius
“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” — Confucius
“The journey with 1000 miles begins with one step.” — Confucius
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” — Confucius
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” — Confucius
“Your life is what your thoughts make it.” — Confucius
Confucius Quotes On Success
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be a failure.” — Confucius
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals; adjust the action steps.” — Confucius
“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.” — Confucius
“Learn avidly. Question it repeatedly. Analyze it carefully. Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.” — Confucius
“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.” — Confucius
“Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.” — Confucius
“Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.” — Confucius
“If your plan is for one year plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years educate children.” — Confucius
“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.” — Confucius
“In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.” — Confucius
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” — Confucius
Famous Inspirational Quotes By Confucius
“The superior man always thinks of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” — Confucius
- “It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.” — Confucius
- “If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.” — Confucius
- “He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” — Confucius
- “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” — Confucius
- “Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.” — Confucius
- “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” — Confucius
- “Study the past, if you would divine the future.” — Confucius
- “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” — Confucius
- “Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.” — Confucius
- “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” — Confucius
Summing:
It is impossible to learn everything about the great Chinese philosopher Confucius at once. His famous sayings and beliefs have impacted many people’s lives, and his teaching still remained to educate people about the contemporary world.
Even though his life began and ended centuries before, his legacy will remain forever.
Hope these Confucius quotes have influenced you to leave a better life filled with happiness, kindness, and greatness. Let us know your favorite Confucius quote in the comment section below.
Recommending Reading:
- Faith Quotes That Will Awaken Greatness Within You
- Harriet Tubman Quotes To Turn Yourself Into A Leader
- Dalai Lama Quotes to Turn Your Image into a Better Personality
Which are your favourite Confucius Quotes? Leave a comment below.