Character Quotes by Confucius

Virtue is not solitary; it is bound to have neighbors

— Confucius

Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue.

— Confucius

Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses.

— Confucius

The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.

— Confucius

Those who are firm, enduring, simple and unpretentious are the nearest to virtue.

— Confucius

The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.

— Confucius

Those who make virtue their profession are the ruin of virtue.

— Confucius

Heaven is author of the virtue that is in me

— Confucius

See a person's means ... Observe his motives. Examine that in which he rests. How can a person conceal his character?

— Confucius

Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.

— Confucius

A person of character takes as much trouble to discover what is right as the lesser men take to discover what will…

— Confucius

The Master said, I set my heart on the Way, base myself on virtue, lean upon benevolence for support and take my…

— Confucius

I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would…

— Confucius

Fix your mind on truth, hold firm to virtue, rely on loving kindness, and find your recreation in the Arts.

— Confucius

Possessed of courage but devoid of morality, a superior man will make trouble while a small man will be a brigand.

— Confucius

By the ruler's cultivation of his own character there is set up the example of the course which all should pursue.

— Confucius

The superior man has nothing to compete for. But if he must compete, he does it in an archery match, wherein he…

— Confucius

If the people are governed by laws and punishment is used to maintain order, they will try to avoid the punishment but…

— Confucius

Earnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior…

— Confucius

The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his…

— Confucius

The superior man... does not set his mind either for or against anything, he will pursue whatever is right. The superior man…

— Confucius

If one leads them with administrative measures and uses punishments to make them conform, the people will be evasive, but if one…

— Confucius

The superior man will watch over himself when he is alone. He examines his heart that there may be nothing wrong there,…

— Confucius

The determined scholar and the man of virtue will not seek to live at the expense of injuring their virtue. They will…

— Confucius

To be fond of learning is to draw close to wisdom. To practice with vigor is to draw close to benevolence. To…

— Confucius

Love of goodness without love of learning degenerates into simple-mindedness. Love of knowledge without love of learning degenerates into utter lack of…

— Confucius

Great as heaven and earth are, men still find some things in them with which to be dissatisfied. Thus it is that,…

— Confucius

It is true that we shall not be able to reach perfection, but in our struggle toward it we shall strengthen our…

— Confucius

In ancient times, those who wished to illuminate the world with virtue first brought order to their nations. Wishing to order well…

— Confucius

Heaven begat Virtue in me; what can man do unto me?

— Confucius

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.

— Confucius

A Nation's character is typified by its dancers.

— Confucius

Therefore the superior man is watchful over himself, when he is alone.

— Confucius

What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.

— Confucius

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

— Confucius

Virtue is never left to stand alone. He who has it will have neighbors.

— Confucius

People with virtue must speak out; People who speak are not all virtuous.

— Confucius

I have not seen one who loves virtue as he loves beauty.

— Confucius

To know your faults and be able to change is the greatest virtue.

— Confucius

A man may not transgress the bounds of major morals, but may make errors in minor morals.

— Confucius