Confucius quotes about life, family, and education that will inspire you the most
Undoubtedly, Confucius was the greatest Chinese sage of all time and the one who decisively influenced Asian thinking.
Below you will find a list of the most important quotes from Confucius. You will discover that these quotes of Confucius can really change your way of thinking and, implicitly, the way you live your life, if you take them into account.
And make sure you read about: The most inspirational famous quotes of all time
“We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.” — Confucius
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” — Confucius
“If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one’s entire life, perhaps it would be ‘thoughtfulness.” — Confucius
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Confucius
“The journey with a 1000 miles begins with one step.” — Confucius
“First there must be order and harmony within your own mind. Then this order will spread to your family, then to the community, and finally to your entire kingdom. Only then can you have peace and harmony.” — Confucius
“If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?” — Confucius
“One joy dispels a hundred cares.” — Confucius
“Think of tomorrow—the past can’t be mended.” — Confucius
“If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” — Confucius
“Act with kindness but do not expect gratitude.” — Confucius
“Learn avidly. Question it repeatedly. Analyze it carefully. Then put what you have learned into practice intelligently.” — Confucius
“Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly.” — Confucius
“The wise find pleasure in water; the virtuous find pleasure in hills. The wise are active; the virtuous are tranquil. The wise are joyful; the virtuous are long-lived.” — Confucius
“Sincerity is that whereby self-completion is effected, and its way is that by which man must direct himself.” — Confucius
“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” — Confucius
“If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.” — Confucius
“Learn as if you were not reaching your goal and as though you were scared of missing it.” —Confucius
“Faithfulness and sincerity are the highest things.” — Confucius
“He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.” — Confucius
“To understand yourself is the key to wisdom.” — Confucius
“Sincerity is the way of heaven.” — Confucius
“A lack of patience in trifling matters might lead to the disruption of great project.” — Confucius
“Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?” — Confucius
“What you do not wish upon yourself, extend not to others.” — Confucius
“Be strict with yourself but least reproachful of others and complaint is kept afar.” — Confucius
“The object of the superior man is truth.” —Confucius
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” — Confucius
“We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.” — Confucius
“He who learns but does not think, is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” — Confucius
“Three things cannot long be hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.” — Confucius
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” — Confucius
“A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.” — Confucius
“A man of wisdom delights in water.” — Confucius
“Respect yourself and others will respect you.” — Confucius
“The way you cut your meat reflects the way you live.” — Confucius
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” — Confucius
“Anyone can find the switch after the lights are on.” — Confucius
“Base yourself in loyalty and trust. Don’t be a companion with those who are not your moral equal. When you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to correct it.” — Confucius
“To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.” — Confucius
“Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.” — Confucius
“When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.” — Confucius
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.” — Confucius
“They must often change who would remain constant in happiness and wisdom.” — Confucius
“To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.” — Confucius
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” — Confucius
“Everyone eats and drinks; yet only few appreciate the taste of food.” — 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
