Confucius

A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words.

Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

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

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.

To see the right and not to do it is cowardice.

To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage, or of principle.

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

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

We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.

I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.

The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

When anger rises, think of the consequences.

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.

Death and life have their determined appointments; riches and honors depend upon heaven.

He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.

The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.

The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.

The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.

Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!

Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety.

Instead of being concerned that you have no office, be concerned to think how you may fit yourself for office. Instead of being concerned that you are not known, seek to be worthy of being known.

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it - this is knowledge.

When you are laboring for others let it be with the same zeal as if it were for yourself.

The faults of a superior person are like the sun and moon. They have their faults, and everyone sees them; they change and everyone looks up to them.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.

Go before the people with your example, and be laborious in their affairs.

Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.

When we see persons of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see persons of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.

If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?

The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.

To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.

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

Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.

To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.

Wherever you go, go with all your heart.

To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.