Confucius

Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism

Ancient influential 143 sayings

Sayings by Confucius

I will not be afflicted that men do not know me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 1.16
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is easy to serve and difficult to please.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 13.25
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A good man is not a complete vessel.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 2.12 (often translated as 'The superior man is not a tool')
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

One who does not understand the Mandate of Heaven cannot be a gentleman.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 20.3
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

It is not possible for one to be a gentleman and yet not be benevolent.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 4.5
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

If a man does not say 'What shall I do? What shall I do?', I can do nothing with him.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.16
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is watchful over himself when alone.

c. 5th century BCE — Doctrine of the Mean, Chapter 1
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman is not concerned that he is not acknowledged, but rather that he should do something worthy of being acknowledged.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.19 (similar to an earlier quote, but distinct nuance)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman considers righteousness to be essential. He performs it according to the rules of propriety. He brings it forth in humility. He completes it with sincerity. This is indeed a gentleman.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.17
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is dignified, but not contentious; social, but not clannish.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.21
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I transmit but do not innovate; I am truthful in what I say and devoted to antiquity.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 7.1
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man does not even for the space of a single meal act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 4.5
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is firm without being obstinate.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.16 (often translated as 'The gentleman is not obstinate')
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 4.16
Strange & Unusual Confirmed

The faults of a man are characteristic of his class. It is by observing a man's faults that one may know his virtue.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 4.7
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The gentleman seeks to be slow in speech and earnest in action.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 4.24
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 9.23
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

What the gentleman wants is in himself, what the small man wants is in others.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.20
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

He who is not concerned about the distant future will find sorrow near at hand.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.12
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The superior man is universally benevolent, but not clannish.

c. 5th century BCE — Analects 15.21 (similar to an earlier quote, but distinct nuance)
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable