Quotes on Confucianism

Reviewing what you have learned and learning anew, you are fit to be a teacher.

To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

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 conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.

There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute.

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.

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.

When you meet someone better than yourself, turn your thoughts to becoming his equal. When you meet someone not as good as you are, look within and examine your own self.

Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.