The virtuous man is driven by responsibility, the non-virtuous man is driven by profit. — 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
There are three things against which the wise man guards: lust when young, quarrels when strong, and covetousness when old. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he… — 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
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
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
Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Clever talk can confound the workings of virtue, just as small impatiences can confound great projects. — Confucius Copy Share Image
Is any one able for one day to apply his strength to virtue? I have not seen the case in which his… — Confucius Copy Share Image
Guide them by edicts, keep them in line with punishments, and the common people will stay out of trouble but will have… — 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
It is the way of the superior man to prefer the concealment of his virtue, while it daily becomes more illustrious, and… — 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 failure to cultivate virtue, the failure to examine and analyze what I have learned, the inability to move toward righteousness after… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The higher type of man clings to virtue, the lower type of man clings to material comfort. The higher type of man… — Confucius Copy Share Image
The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will… — Confucius Copy Share Image
“The Master said, "I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who… — Confucius Copy Share Image
How great is the path proper to the Sage! Like overflowing water, it sends forth and nourishes all things, and rises up… — 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
Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue. — Confucius Copy Share Image
The contrived language and the flattering attitude rarely come with the virtue. — Confucius Copy Share Image
If I am virtuous and worthy, for whom should I not maintain a proper concern? — Confucius Copy Share Image
Is virtue a thing remote? I wish to be virtuous, and lo! Virtue is at hand. — Confucius Copy Share Image
If a superior man abandon virtue, how can he fulfil the requirements of that name? — Confucius Copy Share Image
People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous. — Confucius Copy Share Image
Only by perfect virtue can the perfect path, in all its courses, be made a fact. — 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
