36 Timeless Quotes by Kong Qiu (Confucius): A Journey into Ancient Wisdom
Step into the world of ancient Chinese philosophy as we explore the teachings of Kong Qiu, better known as Confucius. Confucius was a renowned philosopher, teacher, and political figure who lived during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history. His philosophy focused on ethics, moral values, social harmony, and the cultivation of virtuous character. Through his profound insights and timeless wisdom, Confucius has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture and continues to inspire people around the world. In this compilation, we present 50 quotes attributed to Kong Qiu, offering a glimpse into the profound teachings of Confucius. Join us on this journey of enlightenment as we explore the wisdom of one of history’s most influential thinkers.
1. “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.”
2. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
3. “To see what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.”
4. “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
5. “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
6. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
7. “Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
8. “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.”
9. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
10. “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.”
11. “The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.”
12. “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.”
13. “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.”
14. “He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.”
15. “The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home.”
16. “If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”
17. “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
18. “Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.”
19. “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”
20. “To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it.”
21. “Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
22. “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
23. “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
24. “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
25. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
26. “To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.”
27. “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.”
28. “The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.”
29. “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 easy to get.”
30. “The man of wisdom is never of two minds; the man of benevolence never worries; the man of courage is never afraid.”
31. “To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.”
32. “The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.”
33. “The superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions.”
34. “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
35. “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”
36. “If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.”
These quotes reflect the profound wisdom and ethical teachings of Kong Qiu, known as Confucius, and offer valuable insights into the importance of virtue, self-reflection, education, and the pursuit of a harmonious society.
