Confucius

The object of the superior man is truth.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.

Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.

There are three methods to gaining wisdom. The first is reflection, which is the highest. The second is limitation, which is the easiest. The third is experience, which is the bitterest.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.

The cautious seldom err.

He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

If we don't know life, how can we know death?

Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?

Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change.

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.

I will not be concerned at other men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.

To rule a country of a thousand chariots, there must be reverent attention to business, and sincerity; economy in expenditure, and love for men; and the employment of the people at the proper seasons.

It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.

If some years were added to my life, I would give fifty to the study of the Yi, and then I might come to be without great faults.

A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.

It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.

Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.

Study the past, if you would divine the future.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

Heaven means to be one with God.

Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.

He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make his words good.

An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.