The collection / 384 fragments

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Passages, proverbs, and questions carried across the ages.

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384 results · Page 13 of 16Play this collection ▷

01c. 515 BC

Without knowing the force of words, it is impossible to know more.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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02c. 515 BC

Writing cannot express all words, words cannot encompass all ideas.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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03c. 515 BC

Naming enables the noble-minded to speak, and speech enables the noble-minded to act. Therefore, the noble-minded are anything but careless in speech.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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04c. 515 BC

Language is insight itself.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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05c. 515 BC

At fifteen I set my heart upon learning. At thirty, I had planted my feet firm upon the ground. At forty, I no longer suffered from perplexities. At fifty, I knew what were the biddings of Heaven. At sixty, I heard them with docile ear. At seventy, I could follow the dictates of my own heart; for what I desired no longer overstepped the boundaries of right.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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06c. 515 BC

When the Master entered the great temple he asked about everything. Someone said, ‘Who will say that this son of the man of Zou knows about ritual? When he enters the temple, he asks about everything’. The Master heard of it and said, ‘This is the ritual’.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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07c. 515 BC

If I raise one corner for someone and he cannot come back with the other three, I do not go on.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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08c. 515 BC

Even when walking in the company of two other men, I am bound to be able to learn from them. The good points of the one I copy, the bad points of the other I correct in myself.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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09c. 515 BC

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

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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10c. 515 BC

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

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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11c. 515 BC

He who searches for evil, must first look at his own reflection.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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12c. 515 BC

cautiously, you avoid trouble. See all that you can – then, if you forget the perilous and

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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13c. 515 BC

Tsze-kung wished to dispense with the sacrifice of a sheep for the New Moon ceremony. The Master said, "You love the sheep; I love the ceremony.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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14c. 515 BC

Ji Wenzi always thought thrice before acting. Hearing this the Master said, "Twice is enough.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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15c. 515 BC

For this reason the gentleman will employ a man on a distant mission and observe his degree of loyalty, will employ him close at hand and observe his degree of respect. He will hand him troublesome affairs and observe how well he manages them, will suddenly ask his advice and observe how wisely he answers. He will exact some difficult promise from him and see how well he keeps it, turn over funds to him and see with what benevolence he dispenses them, inform him of the danger he is in and note how faithful he is to his duties. He will get him drunk with wine and observe how well he handles himself, place him in mixed company and see what effect beauty has upon him. By applying these nine tests, you may determine who is the unworthy man.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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16c. 515 BC

The gentleman does not promote people merely on the basis of their words, nor does he reject words merely because of the person who uttered them.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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17c. 515 BC

The Master is cordial yet stern, awe-inspiring yet not fierce and respectful yet at ease.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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18c. 515 BC

If you look at their intentions, examine their motives, and scrutinize what brings them contentment – how can people hide who they are? How can they hide who they really are?

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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19c. 515 BC

Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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20c. 515 BC

The scholar does not consider gold and jade to be precious treasures, but loyalty and good faith.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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21c. 515 BC

A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do we know that his future will not be equal to our present?

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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22c. 515 BC

Respect yourself and others will respect you.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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23c. 515 BC

The noble-minded encourage what is beautiful in people and discourage what is ugly in them. Little people do just the opposite.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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24c. 515 BC

A gentleman is not a pot.

Confucius (traditional attribution) / quote

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