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Quotes by Confucius 1-40
1 A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
2 Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.
3 The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
4 We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.
5 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.
6 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.
7 The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
8 You cannot open a book without learning something.
9 Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself.
10 Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.
11 It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.
12 They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
13 When you see men of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves.
14 To go far is as bad as to fall short.
15 I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity, and earnest in seeking it there.
16 The man who in view of gain thinks of righteousness; who in the view of danger is prepared to give up his life; and who does not forget an old agreement however far back it extends - such a man may be reckoned a complete man.
17 Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles.
18 If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms if ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, tech the people.
19 The superior man thinks only of virtue; the common man thinks only of comfort.
20 If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.
21 By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart.
22 The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
23 Heaven means to be one with God.
24 The superior man understands what is right, the inferior man understand what will sell.
25 When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
26 A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.
27 What the superior man seeks in himself, what the small man seeks in the others.
28 I have not seen a person who loved virtue, or one who hated what was not virtuous. He who loved virtue would esteem nothing above it.
29 Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.
30 The superior man cannot be known in little matters, but he may be entrusted with great concerns. The small man may not be entrusted with great concerns, but he may be known in little matters.
31 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 east to get.
32 Virtuous people often revenge themselves for the constraints to which they submit by the boredom which they inspire.
33 To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.
34 Respect yourself and others will respect you.
35 Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
36 The cautious seldom err.
37 Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
38 If a man withdraws his mind from the love of beauty, and applies it as sincerely to the love of the virtuous; if, in serving his parent, he can exert his utmost strength; if, in serving his prince, he can devote his life; if in his intercourse with his friends, his words are sincere - although men say he has not learned, I will certainly say that he has.
39 Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
40 Think no vice so small that you may commit it, and no virtue so small that you may over look it.
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