Quotes from Confucius: Wisdom for the Ages

Confucius, a revered Chinese philosopher, offers a wealth of wisdom that is still incredibly relevant today. People often search for Confucius quotes to gain insights into ethics, morality, and self-improvement. In this article, we’ll dissect one particular quote, unpacking its meaning and relevance.

Quotes from Confucius

Confucius lived in ancient China, around 551–479 BCE. He was a teacher, politician, and philosopher. His thoughts have deeply influenced Chinese culture and literature, and they continue to be studied globally.

1. Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
2. 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.
3. Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
4. The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.
5. When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
6. He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.
7. Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
8. Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
9. It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
10. The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.
11. 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.
12. 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.

More about Confucius

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

The essence of this quote is perseverance. No matter the pace, the key is to keep moving forward. Many interpret this as encouragement to remain steadfast in their pursuits, even when the going gets tough.

1. Persistence: Never giving up is paramount.
2. Patience: Progress is progress, no matter how slow.

While this quote encourages persistence, it shouldn’t be a ticket to complacency. Simply moving isn’t enough; the direction should be right too. Otherwise, you may end up further from your goals.

Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star

In life, ignorance is not bliss. Confucius emphasises that a life without knowledge is akin to a dark, moonless night. So, keep learning and keep growing.

The quote “Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star” encapsulates the notion that ignorance is not just a lack of knowledge, but a darkness that engulfs the mind completely. According to Confucius a mind filled with ignorance is similar to the darkest of nights. A night without even the faintest glimmer of a moon or star to guide the way.

Normally, even on the darkest nights, we find some solace and guidance from celestial bodies. But in a state of ignorance, even that meagre comfort is missing. Ignorance isn’t a simple gap in knowledge. It is a debilitating state that robs you of insight, clarity, and the opportunity for growth.

It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works.

The quote “It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works” delves into the complex nature of human emotions. Hate is often an immediate, knee-jerk reaction to discomfort. It’s an emotion that demands relatively less mental and emotional effort to maintain.

Love, on the other hand, requires understanding, patience, and a willingness to accept, even celebrate, flaws and differences. Love requires us to be vulnerable, to open up, and to risk getting hurt, which is why it’s difficult. Confucius highlights the universal truth: negative emotions are easy to come by and maintain. Positive emotions like love take constant effort and mindfulness. This is a call to action to strive for the rewarding path of love and understanding.

The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them.

The quote “The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them” reflects Confucius’s emphasis on the mutual responsibilities that exist within a family unit, particularly between parents and children. The family is the cornerstone of society. Relationships within it are bound by duties and responsibilities that go both ways. This quote serves as a reminder that education about duties and responsibilities begins at home.

If a son neglects his duties, it’s not just his failing but also the parent who failed to impart these life lessons. The father is equally culpable because it was his role to guide and educate the son about his obligations. Essentially, Confucius argues that both parties have a role in the dereliction of duty, and both should be held accountable. It’s a call for introspection. It is a reminder to parents about the vital role they play in shaping their children’s moral and ethical compass.

To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order

The quote “To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order” encapsulates Confucius’ hierarchical view of societal harmony. Change starts at the smallest unit. It starts with us and extends to family, society and then the world at large. Our family represents the smallest unit of society and the world. It is the training ground for virtues like respect, loyalty, and responsibility. If the family unit is stable and ethical, these extend outwards and, eventually, to the world.

By laying out this sequence, Confucius also provides a roadmap for achieving broader social and political harmony. It implies that top-down reforms will be ineffective if the basic familial structure is flawed. The ‘order’ Confucius refers to is not just about law and governance. It is deeply rooted in ethics, virtues, and social responsibilities. The statement serves as a reminder that change begins at home and then reverberates outward, emphasising the interconnectedness of individual, family, community, and world.

When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.

The quote “When we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves” illuminates Confucius’s advocacy for self-examination and personal growth. The statement advises that when we encounter individuals whose behaviour or values sharply contrast with our own, it serves as an opportunity for introspection. Rather than criticising or distancing ourselves from those we consider ‘contrary’ in nature, Confucius encourages us to reflect on our own actions and character.

The idea here is twofold: First, encountering opposition can serve as a mirror, providing insights into our own flaws or virtues. It might highlight inconsistencies in our own behaviour or make us re-evaluate our own set of values. Second, the advice promotes the virtue of humility. No one is without flaws; recognising that others may have virtues we lack encourages a more balanced and humble approach to life.

In a broader sense, this quote encapsulates a universal principle: Self-improvement begins with self-awareness, and sometimes the clearest lens through which to understand ourselves is through our interactions and contrasts with others.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance

The quote “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance” encapsulates Confucius’s wisdom on the paradox of true understanding. This phrase addresses the concept of intellectual humility. In other words, acknowledging what you don’t know is a sign of wisdom, not a shortcoming. Confucius is saying that real knowledge isn’t just about the accumulation of facts or skills but involves a deep self-awareness about the limits of one’s understanding.

This idea resonates strongly with the Socratic paradox: “I know that I know nothing.” Both philosophers value the recognition of one’s own ignorance as a starting point for genuine inquiry and personal growth. In a world where people are often rewarded for appearing competent and confident, admitting ignorance is counterintuitive and, for many, uncomfortable. However, Confucius argues that this admission is not a sign of weakness but of strength.

Acknowledging your own gaps in knowledge not only sets the stage for continuous learning but also fosters an attitude of openness and curiosity. Moreover, it cultivates humility and earns the respect of others, as people are generally more drawn to those who don’t pretend to have all the answers but are instead in a continual quest for understanding.

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

The quote “When we see men of worth, we should think of equaling them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves” is a powerful encapsulation of Confucius’ views on self-improvement, moral development, and introspection. It sets forth a dual principle for how to engage with the world to better oneself.

Firstly, when encountering people of admirable qualities, rather than feeling envious or inferior, one should aspire to match or even surpass those qualities. These individuals should serve as benchmarks or ideals that we strive towards. In essence, the good in others should inspire us to bring out the best in ourselves.

Secondly, when we encounter individuals whose character we find disagreeable or unethical, instead of passing judgement or distancing ourselves, we should use the experience for self-examination. Such encounters should compel us to reflect on our own shortcomings and moral standing. It is a call to not take our own virtues for granted and to continually scrutinise ourselves for hidden flaws or blind spots.

Together, these two guidelines serve as a holistic approach to personal growth. They prompt us to look outward for inspiration and inward for self-examination, encouraging a balanced, humble, yet ambitious journey through life. This dual perspective fosters both the humility required for constant self-improvement and the ambition needed to achieve greatness.