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Is Goodness indeed so far away? If we really wanted Goodness, we should find that it was at our very side. — Confucius · 221 BCIn the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within. — Confucius · 221 BC
He who is influenced neither by the soaking in of slander nor by the assault of denunciation may indeed be called illumined. — Confucius · 221 BC
Curiosity1 quote
I for my part am not one of those who have innate knowledge. I am simply one who loves the past and who is diligent in investigating it. — Confucius · 221 BC
The superior man understands righteousness; the inferior man understands profit. — Confucius · 221 BC
Equality1 quote
Have no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber. — Confucius · 221 BC
Have no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber. — Confucius · 221 BC
A young man's duty is to behave well to his parents at home and to his elders abroad. — Confucius · 221 BC
Friendship1 quote
Have no friends who are not of equal (moral) caliber. — Confucius · 221 BC
Does Heaven say anything? The four seasons run their course and all things are produced. Does Heaven say anything? — Confucius · 221 BC
Grass1 quote
If you desire what is good, the people will be good. The character of a ruler is like wind and that of the people is like grass. In whatever direction the wind blows the grass always bends. — Confucius · 221 BC
A young man's duty is to behave well to his parents at home and to his elders abroad. — Confucius · 221 BC
Moral force never dwells in solitude; it will always bring neighbors. — Confucius · 221 BC
What is over and done with, one does not discuss. What has already taken its course, one does not criticize; what already belongs to the past, one does not censure. — Confucius · 221 BC
Moral force never dwells in solitude; it will always bring neighbors. — Confucius · 221 BC
Nature1 quote
Does Heaven say anything? The four seasons run their course and all things are produced. Does Heaven say anything? — Confucius · 221 BC
In the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within. — Confucius · 221 BC
The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration. — Confucius · 221 BC
Is Goodness indeed so far away? If we really wanted Goodness, we should find that it was at our very side. — Confucius · 221 BC
If you desire what is good, the people will be good. The character of a ruler is like wind and that of the people is like grass. In whatever direction the wind blows the grass always bends. — Confucius · 221 BC
In the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within. — Confucius · 221 BC
The superior man understands righteousness; the inferior man understands profit. — Confucius · 221 BC
Seasons1 quote
Does Heaven say anything? The four seasons run their course and all things are produced. Does Heaven say anything? — Confucius · 221 BC
Moral force never dwells in solitude; it will always bring neighbors. — Confucius · 221 BC
At fifteen my mind was set on learning. At thirty my character had been formed. At forty I had no more perplexities. At fifty I knew the Mandate of Heaven. At sixty I was at ease with whatever I heard. At seventy I could follow my heart's desire without transgressing moral principles. — Confucius · 221 BC
Success1 quote
The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration. — Confucius · 221 BC
The masses1 quote
If you desire what is good, the people will be good. The character of a ruler is like wind and that of the people is like grass. In whatever direction the wind blows the grass always bends. — Confucius · 221 BC
The past1 quote
What is over and done with, one does not discuss. What has already taken its course, one does not criticize; what already belongs to the past, one does not censure. — Confucius · 221 BC
Venality1 quote
The superior man understands righteousness; the inferior man understands profit. — Confucius · 221 BC
Wisdom1 quote
If we are not yet able to serve man, how can we serve spiritual beings?... If we do not yet know about life how can we know about death? — Confucius · 221 BC
A gentleman is ashamed to let his words outrun his deeds. — Confucius · 221 BC