Words of Wisdom from Confucius

• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

• When you say something, say what you know. When you don't know something, say you don't know. That is knowledge.

• Study the past if you would define the future.

• Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

• 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.

 

• Virtue is more to man than either water or fire. I have seen men die from treading on water and fire, but I have never seen a man die from treading the course of virtue.

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

• 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.

• Forget injuries never forget kindness.

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

• Study without thought is vain: thought without study is dangerous.

• To be fond of learning is near to wisdom.

• The gentleman is calm and peaceful; the small man is always emotional.

• If one acts with a view to profit, there will be much resentment.

• Clever words and a plausible appearance have seldom turned out to be humane.

• One who can bring about the practice of five things everywhere under Heavens has achieved humaneness . . .Courtesy, tolerance,good faith diligence and kindness.

• Benevolence is the characteristic element of humanity.

• When anger rises think of the consequences.

• Listen widely to remove your doubts and be careful when speaking about the rest and your mistakes will be few.

• Fine words and insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.