Sayings of Confucius

Confucius (551-479 BCE) was born into a family of officials in the state of Lu, in the modern - day province of Shandong. He admired earlier wise men and felt sad about the lost ‘paradise" of previous Chinese societies.

He tried to restore old customs ad ceremonies through his teachings. His pupils recorded his teachings which later became the state religion of the Chinese government and were followed by every Chinese officials.

Confucius outlined a code of proper behaviour, arguing that if families were strong and untied, the country would also be strong and untied.

• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

• When you say something, say what you know. When you don't know something, say you don't know. That is knowledge.

• Study the past if you would define the future.

• Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

• 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.

• Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.

• I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

• If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

• Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

• Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

• Study without thought is vain: thought without study is dangerous.

• You cannot open a book without learning something.

• The gentleman is calm and peaceful; the small man is always emotional.

• If one acts with a view to profit, there will be much resentment.

• Clever words and a plausible appearance have seldom turned out to be humane.

• One who can bring about the practice of five things everywhere under Heavens has achieved humaneness . . .Courtesy, tolerance,good faith diligence and kindness.

The sayings of Confucius were remembered by his followers and were later compiled in a book of "The Analects". Through them we discover Confucius' sayings on virtues, such as the positive character traits, to which we should aspire, the respect which children owe to parents and wives owe to husbands, sisters to brothers, and everyone to ancestors. When such virtue is cultivated in the home, it is supposed to carry over into one's relations in affairs of state as well.

I hope you enjoy reading some of the timeless wisdom of Confucius.