Confucius
551 BC – 479 BC
Confucius (551–479 BCE) was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure whose teachings formed the foundation of East Asian thought and values. His emphasis on personal ethics, family loyalty, social harmony, and justice shaped Confucianism — a tradition that influenced billions of people across China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam for over two millennia.
Key works: Analects · The Five Classics · The Great Learning
Top quotes by Confucius
“Boldness, without the rules of propriety, becomes insubordination.”
Read the full explanation →“All people are the same; only their habits differ.”
Read the full explanation →“What the Master wished for were men who would order their own lives and, doing so, set an example to others.”
Read the full explanation →“The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.”
Read the full explanation →“If you look into your own heart, you find nothing wrong there, what is there to fear.”
Read the full explanation →“The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.”
Read the full explanation →“With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow -- I have still joy in the midst of all these things.”
Read the full explanation →“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”
Read the full explanation →“When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.”
Read the full explanation →“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
Read the full explanation →
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