What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man is universally minded and no partisan. The inferior man is a partisan and not universal. — Confucius Copy Share Image
A man may not transgress the bounds of major morals, but may make errors in minor morals. — Confucius Copy Share Image
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. — Confucius Copy Share Image
I have yet to meet a man as fond of high moral conduct as he is of outward appearances. — Confucius Copy Share Image
When a man's knowledge is sufficient to attain, and his virtue is not sufficient to enable him to hold, whatever he may… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The main object of conciliation lies in reaching a solution to a case based upon morals and with a warm heart — Confucius Copy Share Image
Possessed of courage but devoid of morality, a superior man will make trouble while a small man will be a brigand. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man will watch over himself when he is alone. He examines his heart that there may be nothing wrong there,… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man... does not set his mind either for or against anything, he will pursue whatever is right. The superior man… — Confucius Copy Share Image
If one leads them with administrative measures and uses punishments to make them conform, the people will be evasive, but if one… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man has nothing to compete for. But if he must compete, he does it in an archery match, wherein he… — Confucius Copy Share Image
If the people are governed by laws and punishment is used to maintain order, they will try to avoid the punishment but… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The administration of government lies in getting proper men. Such men are to be got by means of the ruler's own character.… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Love of goodness without love of learning degenerates into simple-mindedness. Love of knowledge without love of learning degenerates into utter lack of… — Confucius Copy Share Image
To be fond of learning is to draw close to wisdom. To practice with vigor is to draw close to benevolence. To… — Confucius Copy Share Image
It is true that we shall not be able to reach perfection, but in our struggle toward it we shall strengthen our… — Confucius Copy Share Image
In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Great as heaven and earth are, men still find some things in them with which to be dissatisfied. Thus it is that,… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Those who are firm, enduring, simple and unpretentious are the nearest to virtue. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort. — Confucius Copy Share Image
People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous. — Confucius Copy Share Image
Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors. — Confucius Copy Share Image
I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others. — Confucius Copy Share
In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well their nations,… — Confucius Copy Share
Better than the one who knows what is right is the one who loves what is right. — Confucius Copy Share
Knowledge is merely brilliance in organization of ideas and not wisdom. The truly wise person goes beyond knowledge. — Confucius Copy Share
To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men;… — Confucius Copy Share
Does Heaven ever speak? The four seasons come and go, and all creatures thrive and grow. Does Heaven ever speak! — Confucius Copy Share
