100 Top & Most Popular Confucius Quotes

About Confucius

Confucius, the renowned Chinese philosopher, and teacher, has left a lasting legacy through his teachings and sayings. His quotes provide profound insights into ethics, morality, and the proper conduct of individuals and governments. This collection of his most popular quotes is organized by topic to offer guidance and inspiration for various aspects of life.

100 Top Quotes by Confucius in English

Here are 100 top and popular quotes by Confucius, organized by various topics:

Confucius Quotes on Wisdom

Wisdom is a cornerstone of Confucian thought. These quotes emphasize the importance of learning, reflection, and the pursuit of knowledge.

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” – Confucius

“He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” – Confucius

“Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.” – Confucius

“To see what is right and not do it is the want of courage.” – Confucius

“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.” – Confucius

“When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius

“The cautious seldom err.” – Confucius

“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Life

Confucius’s views on life revolve around living ethically, respecting others, and maintaining personal integrity.

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius

“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” – Confucius

“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” – Confucius

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” – Confucius

“The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” – Confucius

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” – Confucius

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Education

Education is a central theme in Confucian philosophy, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement.

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” – Confucius

“Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” – 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

“Study the past if you would define the future.” – Confucius

“You cannot open a book without learning something.” – Confucius

“To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.” – Confucius

“An educated man is not a pot.” – Confucius

“He who excels in study can follow an official career.” – Confucius

“A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders.” – Confucius

“Those who know the truth are not equal to those who love it.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Leadership

Confucius believed that good leadership is rooted in morality, integrity, and service to others. These quotes reflect his vision of what makes a great leader.

“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” – Confucius

“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.” – Confucius

“If a ruler sets an example by being correct, his subordinates will be loyal.” – Confucius

“To rule a country of a thousand chariots requires reverent attention to business, sincerity, and economy in expenditure.” – Confucius

“The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.” – Confucius

“A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.” – Confucius

“He who governs by his moral excellence may be compared to the Pole star which abides in its place while all other stars bow towards it.” – Confucius

“Lead the people by laws and regulate them by penalties, and they will avoid punishments but lose their sense of shame.” – Confucius

“When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders.” – Confucius

“The superior man is distressed by his want of ability; he is not distressed by men’s not knowing him.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Morality

Morality is at the heart of Confucian thought. These quotes highlight his teachings on ethics, virtue, and righteous living.

“To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.” – Confucius

“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.” – Confucius

“When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius

“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius

“Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.” – Confucius

“To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” – Confucius

“The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.” – Confucius

“Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.” – Confucius

“When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Human Relationships

Confucius placed great importance on maintaining harmonious relationships with others. These quotes reflect his wisdom on how to cultivate and sustain meaningful connections.

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” – Confucius

“Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.” – Confucius

“A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders.” – Confucius

“Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance.” – Confucius

“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” – Confucius

“If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” – Confucius

“The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.” – Confucius

“To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.” – Confucius

“It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.” – Confucius

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Governance

Confucius’s insights on governance emphasize the importance of just and moral leadership.

“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” – Confucius

“He who governs by his moral excellence may be compared to the Pole star which abides in its place while all other stars bow towards it.” – Confucius

“To rule a country of a thousand chariots requires reverent attention to business, sincerity, and economy in expenditure.” – Confucius

“If a ruler sets an example by being correct, his subordinates will be loyal.” – Confucius

“Lead the people by laws and regulate them by penalties, and they will avoid punishments but lose their sense of shame.” – Confucius

“When a prince’s personal conduct is correct, his government is effective without the issuing of orders.” – Confucius

“The superior man is distressed by his want of ability; he is not distressed by men’s not knowing him.” – Confucius

“The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.” – Confucius

“The cautious seldom err.” – Confucius

“Govern the people with strictness, and they will not steal; if you are lenient, they will.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Self-Improvement

Confucius believed in the continuous improvement of oneself. These quotes encourage personal development and introspection.

“When you see a good person, think of becoming like him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.” – Confucius

“He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” – Confucius

“The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.” – Confucius

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” – Confucius

“Study the past if you would define the future.” – Confucius

“To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.” – 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

“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.” – Confucius

“Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.” – Confucius

“You cannot open a book without learning something.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Virtue

Virtue is central to Confucian teachings, reflecting the moral foundation of his philosophy.

“Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.” – Confucius

“The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.” – Confucius

“To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” – Confucius

“Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.” – Confucius

“The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.” – Confucius

“To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage.” – Confucius

“He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.” – Confucius

“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius

“To see what is right and not do it is the want of courage.” – Confucius

“When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius

Confucius Quotes on Humanity

Humanity, or “ren,” is a key concept in Confucianism, emphasizing benevolence and empathy towards others.

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” – Confucius

“When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.” – Confucius

“The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.” – Confucius

“A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.” – Confucius

“The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his actions.” – Confucius

“The superior man is distressed by his want of ability; he is not distressed by men’s not knowing him.” – Confucius

“What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.” – Confucius

“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” – Confucius

“He who learns but does not think is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” – Confucius

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” – Confucius

Conclusion

Confucius’s teachings continue to resonate because they touch on universal aspects of human life and society. His emphasis on wisdom, moral integrity, and the importance of education and self-improvement provide timeless guidance.

FAQs:

1. What are some famous quotes by Confucius?

Some famous quotes by Confucius include:

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”

“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”

2. What topics do Confucius’s quotes cover?

Confucius’s quotes cover a wide range of topics including wisdom, life, education, leadership, morality, human relationships, governance, self-improvement, virtue, and humanity.

3. How did Confucius influence Chinese philosophy?

Confucius greatly influenced Chinese philosophy through his teachings on ethics, proper conduct, and the importance of familial and societal harmony. His ideas laid the foundation for Confucianism, which became a major philosophical system in China and other parts of East Asia.

4. Why are Confucius’s quotes significant?

Confucius’s quotes are significant because they offer practical wisdom and ethical guidance that are relevant across cultures and eras. His teachings on morality, respect, and self-cultivation are timeless and universally applicable.

5. Where can I find more quotes by Confucius?

More quotes by Confucius can be found in his collected works, particularly in the “Analects of Confucius,” as well as in various historical records and scholarly interpretations of his teachings.