All things Quote by Confucius
“How great is the path proper to the Sage! Like overflowing water, it sends forth and nourishes all things, and rises up to the height of heaven. All-complete is its greatness! It embraces the three hundred rules of ceremony, and the three thousand rules of demeanor. It waits for the proper man, and then it is trodden. Hence it is said, 'Only by perfect virtue can the perfect path, in all its courses, be made a fact.'”
About This Quote
Source Classic: Analects of Confucius, 5th century BC
The virtuous path nurtures all, aligning with cosmic order, and is realized when a worthy person follows it.
In simple terms: A good way benefits everything and rises high.
Follow the virtuous path to harmony.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- community building
- personal conduct
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “proper man” mean today?
- How can we nurture the path in modern life?
Perfect virtue is hard to achieve for everyone.