The Most Famous Confucius Quotes

Updated March 1, 2018 19k votes 6.5k voters 400.6k views

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This list of quotes from Confucius ranks the best Confucius quotes on various subjects according to votes from users like you, so only the best Confucius quotations are at the top of the list. Enjoy these wise sayings coined by Confucius. Many of these sayings became the bedrock for Confucianism. Quotes from Confucius offer insights about life, the universe, and everything.There are even funny Confucius quotes proving that insightful humor can withstand the test of roughly 2,500 years.

Most quotes by Confucius illustrate the influential Chinese thinker's wisdom in matters of practicality and philosophy. Confucius quotes about love cover both, offering his thoughts on how we relate to loved ones, particularly within families. Confucius was an amazing thinker and if you want to think like him, check out our inspirational honesty quotes, integrity quotes and sacrifice quotes.

1
As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.
2
What you do not want others to do to you, do not do to others.
3
Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude.
4
A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.
5
The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.
6
When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.
7
When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self.
8
It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.
9
A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.
10
Chose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
11
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
12
A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others.
13
To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
14
The gem cannot be polished without friction nor man without trials.
15
When anger rises, think of the consequences.
16
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
17
Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance.
18
The real fault is to have faults and not amend them.
19
He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.
20
To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.
21
Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.
22
We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.
23
Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.
24
He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.
25
I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.

As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.

Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude.

A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others.

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