He saw the meaning of human existence in the establishment in the Celestial Empire of the highest and universal form of the socio-ethical order “Tao”, or path. He considered humanity, justice, self-esteem, filial piety, loyalty and mercy to be the main manifestations of Tao. This article will focus on the sayings and aphorisms of Confucius.
Confucianism in China
In modern terms, we can say that Confucius is the main brand of China. After all, the self-identification of a people is associated with the choice of a person who represents them as accurately and vividly as possible. This is actually not such a simple question. On the solid and extensive Chinese foundation of the most ancient historical and philosophical thought of the world rises the figure of Confucius, the wisdom of whose aphorisms and teachings truly deserves veneration.
Personality
As mentioned in the Historical Notes of Sima Qian, an ancient Chinese historian and encyclopedist, Confucius was born into a “wild marriage.” Such a concept as a “wild marriage” means that an elderly parent allowed himself to have a relationship with a young concubine. His father died, and Confucius was brought up in a single-parent family. He became the first Chinese teacher to teach to anyone for a bundle of dried meat. So, the school replaced his related association. His very name Kung Fu Tzu (in Chinese) speaks of his calling, because “fu tzu” is translated as “teacher, sage, philosopher.”
Confucius lived in an era of fragmentation and struggle among many kingdoms. The century was not easy, but it was also remarkable, which is why it was called the golden age of Chinese philosophy. In China, becoming a philosopher means becoming a teacher and getting schooled. Confucius traveled to various countries with his students and offered his services in government - now called management. His activity is truly unique; its results greatly affected the life of society in the 6th-5th centuries BC. Despite the innovative tendency of his teaching, Confucius insisted on returning to the roots, that is, on rethinking existing knowledge.
good and evil
You should study the sayings and aphorisms of Confucius about good and evil.
As if confirming the wisdom of many religious movements and anticipating Christian ideology, Confucius appeals to a person’s reason and awareness with the phrase: “Do not do to others what you do not wish for yourself.” From century to century, this wisdom is based on not causing harm to others, since, as people say, retribution for actions far from goodness will follow either inevitably, or over time, or will affect the lives of descendants. When performing any action, we send certain information into space, which creates a certain charge of energy that boomerangs over us at the most unexpected moment. When we do good things, we attract good things into our lives, and vice versa.
Speaking about Confucius’s aphorisms about good and evil, one cannot fail to mention this saying: “Try to be kinder at least a little, and then you will see that you will not be able to do a bad deed.” This expression can be interpreted as follows: once we have taken the path of good, we form in our heads a block of rejection of everything unworthy in the behavior of a conscious and developed person, which simply does not allow us to sink again, because in this way we will betray ourselves. Having once tasted something better in our everyday life, we yearn for it with all our hearts, and run away from the old. This is how development happens.
Aphorisms of Confucius on the meaning of life
“You can curse the darkness all your life, but you can light at least a small candle.” This statement by Confucius, an ancient thinker and philosopher, is imbued with the deepest wisdom. How often do we lose our bearings, forget to look at all the beautiful things that exist in us, in other people, in our surroundings, and become fixated on the negative side of life. You just need to light the spark of one pleasant thought in yourself, and life begins to take on new colors. As we blossom from the inside, we transform on the outside, and we also influence those around us. This is how we create our own reality.
“He is not great who never fell, but he is great who fell and got up.” This can be called one of the best aphorisms of Confucius. As has been accurately noted, every failure leads to success. “Falling” is useful and necessary if a person knows how to learn a lesson. The height of our achievements is determined by the depth of the hole into which we find ourselves. Every time you fail, be defeated, rejoice - because you have room to grow, you are not a lost option for society and the planet, you still have to work on yourself.
“In fact, life is simple, but we persistently complicate it.” And in fact, everything complex is veiled simple. Every complex subject can be disassembled into simple components, this is what helps to comprehend something complex. Having dealt with simple things, we are able to unravel something that previously seemed absurd to us. Another meaning of this statement lies in the fact that we are bored with things that we understand, we need mystery, pretentiousness, some pathos and complexity in execution. For example, simple dishes and gourmet dishes. Sometimes you need to use remarkable abilities to identify the ingredients of some dish, saturated with various spices and additives. This is how we move away from the simple truth - simplicity leads to health, because healthy food is not always tasty (at first glance) food that has undergone a minimum of heat treatment. We are served dishes that, in addition to various brines, could have passed through a saucepan, frying pan, oven, just to get to your table. It would seem, why such tricks? It all lies in the greed and gluttony of human nature, unable to enjoy little things for a long time.
Aphorisms of Confucius and their interpretation - about education
“The most beautiful sight in the world is the sight of a child walking confidently along the path of life after you have shown him the right path.” Many of us are still those same children who have not found their purpose. And all because we were raised by children wandering in the dark. Yes, in life you need to be a child, but purposeful - so that your eyes sparkle and your hands do. Laziness and idleness lead to the destruction of personality. A true child is a creative being, ready at any moment to do what he loves.
About the board
We included the following among Confucius’s aphorisms about the state: “If you are overly zealous in your service, you may lose the favor of the sovereign. If you are overly cordial in friendship, you will lose the favor of your friends.” We can say that this quote conveys the idea that intrusiveness and the desire to please everyone only repel. You don't have to try hard to please others. And is it worth striving to gain the favor of another person? Isn't it easier and calmer to be yourself, without antics and self-restraints? Don't be afraid to refuse people if their suggestions contradict your principles and guidelines. This way, on the contrary, you will earn the respect of others as a person you can rely on in difficult times. Honesty with yourself leads to honesty with others. On some invisible level, people are able to sense whether they are being flattered or not. And this largely shapes their further attitude towards people.
“If you yourself are straight, then they will do everything even without an order. And if you yourself are not straight, then they will not obey, despite your order.” A person who changes his mind, who has seven Fridays in a week, is not able to maintain his person as an authority for his subjects. Being insecure, such a person may turn out to be unreliable in managing a country or household - he will squander everything until a rainy day with his contradictory ideas and infantile decisions. A person in leadership must be distinguished by the directness of his views and thoughts in order to convey them as accurately as possible to those around him.
“It is a shame to be poor and to occupy a low position if law reigns in the state; just as it is a shame to be noble and rich when lawlessness reigns in the state.” This statement can apply to absolutely any state, because now there are not many countries in the world where noble people are in power, and the law is fair and humane.
About love
“Only a truly humane person is capable of both loving and hating.” In this statement by Confucius, we see that strong feelings that are fully revealed are capable of being experienced by people who can empathize with others, have compassion for them, who look at the world with a heightened sense of justice. There is boundless love, there is just hatred. The rest can experience sublime and base feelings, but without fanaticism. Here people, who have departed from the usual animal habits, learn righteous anger and love.
"Love is the beginning and the end of our existence. Without love there is no life. Because love is what a wise man bows to." This is one of the most heartfelt quotes and aphorisms of Confucius about love. He who rejects love is stupid, because, left without love, he loses motivation for activity, life, and waking up in the morning. We must love, if not the people around us, then at least the things that surround us every day, otherwise life turns into complete chaos. You can also understand this as self-love. Only by loving himself does a person begin to transform and improve, create and comprehend this world. Confucius, whose quotes and aphorisms we consider in this article, was a wise and profound man. Therefore, all his sayings, coming into the field of view of a developed person, flourish in the thought process of the recipient.
“When the paths are unequal, they do not make plans together” is one of the most practical aphorisms of Confucius about love, which hints at the fact that people with different goals in life cannot unite their destinies with favorable consequences. Only the united spirit of lovers is able to maximize the potential of each of them and move them as far as possible towards a common goal.
Oh happiness
“Eating rough food, drinking spring water, sleeping with your own palm under your head - all this contains special joy. But wealth and nobility acquired unrighteously are like floating clouds for me!” This is one of the most striking aphorisms of Confucius about happiness, which implies the search for bliss in the small and pious. Being satisfied with this bit of comfort, a person can survive anywhere and anytime, without experiencing extreme hardships, because he has not adapted to luxury. Abundance guarantees the degradation of soul and body. And wealth acquired by dishonest means generally destroys a person from the inside, devours him entirely, turning him into his most devoted slave, ready again and again to embark on adventures to preserve illusory freedom from poverty. All these “floating clouds,” like dust, dissipate in difficult times or harm their owner, because he is attached to them with all his soul, and, therefore, is ready to die for them.
Another pearl from Confucius’s aphorisms about happiness: “Learning and applying what you have learned to work at the right time - isn’t that wonderful! Talking with a friend who has come from distant countries - isn’t it joyful! Isn’t it sublime - not to be appreciated by the world and not to harbor a grudge!” Here we see that Confucius considered happiness not only wisdom, not only humanity, but also uniqueness, isolation from the general mass of people, the ability to think individually and at the same time feel organic, not feel like an outcast, not complain about the world and society .
About work
The aphorisms of Confucius about work included the following: “Whoever repeats old knowledge and finds something new in it can be a leader.” The essence of this statement is that innovation can only be shown based on previously known ideas. Nihilism, based on the denial of the mistakes of the past, is not appropriate here. The past is a tool for sculpting our present and future state, just as by looking into the future we can change the present. He who uses the knowledge of his ancestors and extracts grains of truth from them is able to occupy leading positions in the state, because he knows the ancient secret of government.
“A human husband will not remain long in straitened circumstances, but he will not remain idle for long either.” This is one of Confucius' aphorisms about work and laziness. Reading these lines, you immediately remember the Russian folk wisdom: “There is time for business, an hour for fun.” Here, however, there is some deviation from the image we are used to: in Confucius, a person does not exhaust himself with work and finds sufficient time for rest, that is, an hour for work, an hour for rest. Here we are talking about balance in life, which is achieved by balancing all aspects of life. Good, enjoyable work will not cause inconvenience or displeasure to the person who takes it on. That is, having found something you like, you can enjoy every moment as much as possible, without experiencing torment and suffering from the feeling of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Character traits
Confucius, whose wise sayings, aphorisms and quotes we are considering in this article, according to his students, had an affectionate and good-natured disposition, was distinguished by patience and fairness, plant foods always prevailed in his diet, although he did not disdain meat. He was immoderate only in wine, revering it as a way of meditation, but he never got drunk to the point of unconsciousness. He was modest in speech and in food, separating the main and the secondary. Ginger has always been of great importance in his life, which is believed in China to neutralize the harmful effects of meat and intoxicating substances.
He finds the reasons for his failures in himself, but the vile man finds them in others." This wonderful statement perfectly describes the way of life of people who are accustomed to blaming anyone for all their troubles, but not themselves. It is not they who are lazy and lacking initiative, but the state undermines their “wings”, it is not they who are weak-willed, but their parents who “raised them poorly". Excuses can always be found. A truly strong-willed person is able to admit his imperfections and strives to change himself at all costs.
“When you meet a worthy person, think about becoming equal to him, and when you see an unworthy person, look into yourself.” Noticing the merits of others is an entire art of life, because initially a person looks for flaws in others. This property of an animal is to rise above others by finding their weaknesses, while humanity presupposes the vision of God in another person through admiration for his creativity, skills, and knowledge. Only a developed personality can see the divine principle in every person and help him discover this powerful force of creation.
“Nothing so easily excites a person and brings him to self-forgetfulness, which leads to the most disastrous consequences, than outbursts of vexation and anger, and therefore, in order to avoid great delusions, it is necessary to notice them in the very bud.” How much wood can you break if you are in a bad mood! A person who cannot control his anger is not able to manage his life.
In different life situations, each of us needs good actionable tips. And it is correct if we receive them from reliable sources, such as the sayings of Confucius about man. This sage from China lived so long ago that his sayings seem outdated. But once you start reading the wise phrases of Confucius about life, it is immediately clear that everything is still relevant and listening to these words brings undoubted benefits.
What did the philosopher teach? His wisdom was multifaceted. It covered all aspects of a person’s life: he talked about the purpose of people’s existence, about friendship and love, how to look at the mistakes of one’s own and others, about happiness, about women and for women, revealed the secrets of raising children; work and attitude towards work occupied an important place in his teaching.
All these important life questions still concern us and our contemporaries. Therefore, we present the wittiest aphorisms and quotes of Confucius. The best collection that will become a guide to a happy, meaningful life.
Meaning of life
By improving oneself, a person approaches the age-old wisdom of his ancestors. People are ruled by passions and emotions. This is what interferes with making the right decisions, which leads to interesting consequences. Instead of striving for the best, they devote their lives to solving small issues.
The principle of Confucian teaching is to build a society of happy, unburdened by problems, the wisest people who wisely use their time and talents. They are in harmony between themselves and the Creator.
By reading the quotes of Confucius, you can radically change your life and attitude towards it for the better. Just a few simple and aphoristic expressions can have a beneficial effect on a person’s mood and outlook.
In fact, life is simple but we persistently complicate it. If you hate- it means you were defeated. We accept advice in drops, but we distribute it in buckets. Noble man makes demands on himself, a low person makes demands on others.Three things never come back back - time, word, opportunity. Therefore: do not waste time, choose your words, do not miss the opportunity.
Noble at heart serene. A low person is always preoccupied. If they spit in your back, that means you're ahead. Be hard on yourself and are gentle towards others. This way you will protect yourself from human hostility. When you feel bad- listen to nature. The silence of the world is more soothing than millions of unnecessary words.About the meaning of love and friendship
It seems that the Chinese thinker understood absolutely everything. Speaking about friendship, he showed how important it is to choose a friend in order to educate yourself, to set him as a model and cultivate in yourself only the greatest qualities: kindness and humility to imitate the best.
The eternal feeling of a loved and loving person gives strength, as Confucius' quotes about love say. Tenderness and affection help to overcome serious difficulties, even such as poverty. It is this quality that motivates us to strive for well-being. It also gives true joy.
I don't understand how anyone can deal with a person who can't be trusted? If a cart doesn't have an axle, how can you ride it?
When meeting a worthy person think about how to match him. When dating a low person, take a closer look at yourself and judge yourself. Even in the company of two people I will certainly find, what to learn from them. I will try to imitate their virtues, and I myself will learn from their shortcomings. If someone wants to seriously offend you, that means it's even worse for him. When people are together- no matter where their bodies are.How to Look at Errors
We all make mistakes. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive the mistakes of others. But are we ready to forgive ourselves? Maybe it’s better not to dwell on miscalculations, because these are trifles that mean little or nothing at all? It’s worth moving on!
From the philosophical position of the great thinker, any mistake is an experience that people acquire while they live. Should we be afraid to become wiser by getting out of a difficult situation? On the contrary, the ancient founder of the great teaching showed that the most correct solution is to correct everything.
About happiness and goodness
Did Confucius skip the topic of happiness? No. After all, this is the ultimate goal to which every person should strive. His best quotes are dedicated to the search for harmony in the soul. It is impossible not to agree with the formula about happiness that the philosopher derived. No one has ever spoken so simply and accurately about what makes us all truly happy. Such a short path must be taken to achieve what you want, if you follow one of the author’s most striking expressions: find those you love and who will love and understand you. Happiness is when you are understood, great happiness is when you are loved, real happiness is when you love. The one who has the sun shining in his soul, will see the sun even on the gloomiest day. The Pursuit of Happyness sometimes you just need to stop and be happy. Seeing good in front of you, I run forward as if I'm afraid to fall behind. Seeing evil in front of me, I run away as if I had stepped foot into boiling water. Work on clearing your thoughts. If you don't have bad thoughts, you won't have bad actions. Forget grievances but never forget kindness. It's easier to light one small candle than to curse the darkness. Try to be at least a little kinder and you will see that you will not be able to commit a bad act.
About women
It would seem that Confucius's comments on women do not reveal his respect for the weaker sex. He seems to laugh at them and their abilities, reproaches them for stupidity and gives them too small and insignificant a role in society.And at the same time, his concepts of harmony say that a person, whether a man or a woman, can achieve perfection. He has rights and deserves to be happy in his pursuit of excellence. You just need to determine your role in society and follow it.
Build relationships correctly It's hardest with women and low people. If you bring them closer to you, they will become untied; if you move them away from you, they will hate you. Once upon a time, a very educated lady at that time came to visit Confucius. and asked him a question:- Tell me, Confucius, why is it that when a woman has many lovers, she is subjected to public censure, but when a man has many women, then this is normal?
Before answering, Confucius silently brewed tea and poured it into six cups.
“Tell me,” he asked her after that, “when one teapot pours tea leaves into six cups, is this normal?”
“Yes,” the woman answered.
“You see,” answered Confucius, “and when six teapots are poured into one cup at once?...
About training and attitude to work
It would probably be correct to consider Confucius one of the famous teachers. At one time, he sought to introduce reforms into the education system. Comparing, and sometimes extolling, knowledge over material support, he called for education to give importance not only to the fundamentals of science, but also to moral laws. And in education, the main goal is to teach children to be useful members of society, fitting into its canons of striving for the best. He instilled this in his students as well. But it would be informative for each of us to get acquainted with the theory of the great man, the founder of the doctrine, which is given the same great importance as religion. Choose a job you like, and you will never have to work a single day in your life. When it is obvious that the goal is unattainable, don't change the goal - change your action plan. Whatever you do in life, do it with all your heart. A gemstone cannot be polished without friction. Likewise, a person cannot become successful without enough hard attempts. Run among those standing, among those running - stop. In ancient times, people studied in order to to improve yourself. Nowadays people study in order to surprise others.Each quote from the sage seems to glow with the original aura that hovered over Ancient China. And at the same time, all his words are so close to us, modern people. This is especially noticeable from the words about work.
What is the secret of fruitful work? What does a job that suits your soul give a person? The scientist gave very accurate and relevant answers to these questions at all times, which are useful to know. And we offer the opportunity to both read the aphorisms of Confucius on the site and download them for free to use and forward wise advice to friends.
The most accessible life lessons for a person to understand. They inspire people very effectively. Human-human interactions are built on important life principles that many try to adhere to. Many sages expressed their rules of life, the eastern countries were especially famous for this. Many people are familiar with the name of the famous Chinese thinker Confucius. Sayings, wise aphorisms and quotes from geniuses fill the pages of books and websites.
This man created an entire doctrine, which is also called religion - Confucianism. Morals, ethics and principles of life are inherent in this teaching. Quotes, aphorisms and wise sayings of Confucius indicate that the sage dreamed of building a harmonious and highly moral society. The golden rule of his ethics was: “Do not do to others what you do not wish for yourself.” People perceive the aphorisms and sayings of Confucius very sensitively. The teaching of genius has been popular for 20 centuries. Get to know this legendary figure, the sayings of Confucius and their explanation.
The Long Road to Wisdom
Sometimes they shout to a person with special mental abilities: “You’re like Confucius!” The sayings of the Chinese sage make you touch the origins of his wisdom and reread his aphoristic sayings. Is there some centuries-old secret of Eastern wisdom, is it different from the usual Western one? In the course of our analysis of the sayings of Confucius, this will become clear to you.
Where did the origins of the wisdom of the Chinese genius come from? Let's start a little with the childhood of a teacher from the Kun family or Kung Fu Tzu, as he was called in his homeland in China. The name Confucius is considered to be a Latinized form. The teacher lived from 551 to 479 BC. e. Many of the sayings of Chinese Confucius have survived to this day, thanks to the retellings and recordings of later interpreters and students.
The sage was born in the village of Qufu, in Shandong province. He belongs to an ancient aristocratic, albeit impoverished, family. His father married three times in order to obtain a worthy heir. This is exactly what the future thinker became. And although the father died three years later, the mother gave her son a highly moral upbringing. In many ways, the formation of Confucius’s ideas about an ideal society and a harmonious person is due to the pure spiritual qualities of this highly moral woman.
The absence of his father in the house forced the young man to work early. He educated himself and searched for the truth. He learned to read early and tried to comprehend all the lines he learned. In Confucius's statements about work and life, one can feel the fusion of thoughts of his worthy predecessors. He worked as a caretaker of warehouses and state lands. But this position did not bring him satisfaction. At the age of 22, the young man became a private Chinese teacher. Having already become a sought-after specialist, he began to teach children from different segments of the population, without paying attention to their well-being.
In communication with people, in the wanderings of the sage, Confucius’s wittiest sayings about man were born. This led him to receive the prestigious position of Minister of Justice. Here he had envious people and slanderers who contributed to the expulsion of the minister from his native land. Confucius began to travel and preach. He went on this pilgrimage for 13 years. In all corners of China, wise sayings of Confucius about creativity, family, and relationships between people were heard.
Returning to his native land, the thinker began to engage in teaching activities. By the end of his life he had trained about three thousand people. Philosophy became the basis of his postulates. Biographers even claim that the Teacher knew the date of his death in advance. As soon as he passed away, the Chinese noticed his absence in the country's culture. But Confucianism received many followers and successors. From 136 BC. e. it is an official religious cult in China. Confucius became a deity and temples were named after him. Only in the 20th century, after the Xinhai Revolution, did centuries-old authorities begin to be overthrown.
Disciples of Confucius collected all his wise aphorisms and quotes in the book "Conversations and Judgments." In European countries it is called "Analects of Confucius". Analects are quotes, apt sayings, short poems. We worked on this unique collection for half a century. His sayings teach humanity, piety, respect for elders and explain other moral and ethical foundations of society.
How do our contemporaries see Confucius? After the communist denials of the teachings of Confucius, sobering up finally came. In recent years, the Chinese have again become interested in Confucianism and the personality of the Master. Many tourists go to the places of his wanderings and hold memorial events in his honor. The teachings of the philosopher were again included in the educational programs of Chinese schoolchildren and students.
Vision of good and evil, virtue and vice
A lot of aphorisms and sayings of Confucius are devoted to thoughts about existence, good and evil. The thinker saw a commonality between the laws of nature and human development. He had confidence in subordinating everything in the world to a single algorithm. The philosopher himself studied well and comprehended all the teachings of his predecessors. Some people today question Christian tenets. For example, not everyone can understand why evil must be answered with good. Many people wonder how to relate to the insults inflicted on us; should we respond in kind?
In the raging ocean of everyday passions, quotes from Confucius can become a reliable compass, sometimes a little paradoxical, a little outside the usual system of values. The Chinese Teacher believed that evil should be punished fairly, and good people should be reciprocated with good. A bit of an unexpected decision compared to Christianity. Confucius placed the measure of justice in the hands of the person himself, acting according to circumstances. He also did not deny that someone is watching people from above and rewarding them for their merits and justice. Here are his most striking statements in this direction:
- It is important to be strict with yourself and gentle with others, this is how people’s hostility is protected.
- If you show more kindness, then there will be no place for bad deeds in life.
- Virtue is not alone, it always has neighbors.
- If you can show mercy, then do it even without prompting from the teacher.
- Wisdom can only be achieved by showing mercy.
About the nobility of the soul
Many of the sage's sayings are dedicated to nobility. Sometimes they also contradict the point of view of daily experience. Let's give an example of the maxim: “A noble person helps you see only the good in yourself, while a low person points out the bad.” However, one cannot draw a line between man and life. The paradoxes of Confucius make you think, reflect, and debate. Here, for example, is a controversial statement: “A noble person who lives only in the comforts of home cannot be called such.” Here is another selection of quotes on this topic:
- The noble ones are characterized by serenity. Low people are always preoccupied with something.
- A noble person lives in harmony with others, but does not imitate them, and a lowly person imitates others, but does not live in harmony with them.
- It is not natural for a noble person to deceive, but he immediately notices deception on the part of others.
- A noble husband gives himself to duty, and a lowly one to luck.
- The noble one does not see the point in food and wealth, he does things and speaks little. This person is constantly learning and correcting himself.
About love, man and woman, parents and children, friends
Confucius has many sayings and aphorisms that describe various relationships: family, friendship, love. After all, friends and our environment often bring us joy, but sometimes disappointment. The philosopher has a lot of advice on this matter. Everyone can find something useful in them:
- It is difficult to build correct relationships with women and low people. Getting closer to oneself leads to their swagger, and moving away leads to hatred.
- A respectful son can be called one who brings grief to his parents only through illness.
- It's better not to deal with a person you don't trust. After all, it is impossible to ride a cart without an axle.
- Friends need to be helped and taught to do good, but there is no need to put yourself in a humiliating position in front of those who cannot be changed.
- You should not show excessive cordiality in friendship, this can lead to loss of favor with friends.
Confucius also had sayings about love. He called love the beginning and end of everything that exists. The sage worshiped love and believed that without it there is no life.
About complex human vicissitudes
Confucius believed that only true sages and fools cannot be taught. He valued knowledge very much and considered it the highest goal of a self-respecting individual. He studied throughout his life and passed on wisdom to his followers. Today we too can enjoy this bottomless source of wisdom. Here are his sayings on this matter:
- You need to study as if you constantly lack knowledge or are afraid of losing it.
- Bravery without knowledge is recklessness, respect without knowledge is self-torture, caution without knowledge is cowardice, straightforwardness without knowledge is rudeness.
- There are no words to describe a scientist who seeks the truth, but is ashamed of poor clothing and rough food.
- You can endlessly enjoy a child walking confidently along the path of life after you have shown him the path.
- Through archery we can learn to seek truth. A missed shooter does not look for blame in others, but only in himself.
- Anyone who does not think about the future will face unexpected troubles.
- Anyone who does not teach to show kindness to his family does not learn himself.
- Anyone who does not reflect on the teaching is always mistaken. A person who thinks but does not want to learn finds himself in difficult situations.
- It is not common for a wise person to do to another what he would not wish for himself.
Success and achieving happiness
Confucius also did not ignore the issues of achieving goals and success in his sayings. In them he gives advice on how to deal with envious people and find balance. Many are familiar with his famous phrase on this matter: “If they spit in your back, it means you are going ahead.” Here are some more quotes:
- Man himself gives birth to his own misfortunes, and he himself cultivates happy moments.
- Happiness can be called understanding of people, great happiness - love from others, real happiness - your love for others.
- Three things cannot be returned back - time, word, opportunity. Conclusion: don’t waste time, choose your words, don’t miss opportunities.
- Don't look down on young people; when they grow up, they can become very talented husbands. Only those who have not achieved anything by the age of forty or fifty do not deserve attention.
- Only with the arrival of cold weather does it become clear that cypresses and pines are the last to shed their trim.
The meaning of experience, truth and human qualities
“One person curses the darkness all his life, and another lights a small candle,” this phrase betrays the moral experience of many generations. Unfortunately, there are many more critics than those who roll up their sleeves and correct something. The classic of Eastern ethics and philosophy accurately noted that hatred speaks of victory over you. He also noted that earlier people studied in order to improve, but now in order to surprise others with their knowledge. Here are some more apt sayings of the sage:
- If wealth and fame cannot be acquired honestly, then you need to avoid them. If you cannot avoid poverty and obscurity, then you need to accept them.
- People are brought together by natural inclinations, but separated by habits.
- In ancient times, verbosity was not accepted. Then it was shameful not to keep up with your words.
- The closest thing to humanity is a firm, decisive, simple and taciturn husband.
- Humanity is very close to us, we just have to desire it.
- A worthy person does not imitate others; he evaluates actions fairly.
Sayings of Confucius about life
The Chinese thinker was interested in everything, he was inquisitive, and preached kindness and philanthropy. He tries to embrace even something immense. Consider the following sayings of Confucius about life:
- A person cannot know what death is because he does not know what life is.
- Before you take revenge, dig two graves.
- If you watch a person, delve into his actions, take a closer look at his leisure time, then he will not be a mystery to you.
- Sometimes a person notices a lot, but does not see the main thing.
- To become human or not depends only on the person himself.
- Strive to be like worthy people, take a closer look at your shortcomings when meeting a low person.
- Advise only the one who strives for knowledge, help only the one who dreams of it, teach only the one who wants to comprehend more.
Sayings of Confucius on work and art
How often do people in companies begin to condemn certain politicians and public figures. Many people think that they would be better at one thing or another. They themselves cannot make sense of their own family or team. Here are some of Confucius's sayings about creativity and attitude towards subordinates:
- The most important thing in government is for the ruler to be a ruler, the subordinate to be the subordinate, the father to be the father, and the son to be the son.
- Don't hold yourself back in small things, it can ruin a great cause.
- There is no need to worry about not having a high rank; it is much more worrying to be worthy of this rank.
- Even when separated, Heaven and Earth do one thing.
- Everyone has the power to become a noble husband, you just need to decide to do it.
- The one who discovers something new by turning to the old is worthy of being a teacher.
- To earn the respect of people, you need to manage them with dignity. If you want people to work hard, treat them kindly.
- He who finds a job he likes will never work a single day in his life.
About myself
The world of amazing sayings and witty observations of the eastern sage is simply amazing! Some of his statements relate to Confucius himself:
- I need a lot of work to expand my knowledge, not to brag to others, not to feel tired, to teach others and not to be disappointed.
- I have never met a person who lived in solitude to achieve his goal, who followed what was necessary to realize his truth.
- Even among two people, I will find something to learn. I will emulate their strengths and learn from their weaknesses.
Each of you can choose from among the many sayings of Confucius a wise guide to life. This will help you cope with difficulties and choose the right path to wisdom.
1. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step
2. A noble husband does not strive to eat his fill and live richly. He is hasty in business, but slow in speech. Communicating with virtuous people, he corrects himself
3. Archery teaches us how to seek the truth. When a shooter misses, he does not blame others, but looks for the blame in himself
4. Having learned the truth in the morning, you can die in the evening
5. The wise man knows no worries, the humane man knows no worries, the brave man knows no fear.
6. Don’t do to others what you wouldn’t wish for yourself.
7. Anyone who speaks beautifully and has an attractive appearance is rarely truly human.
8. A worthy person cannot but possess a breadth of knowledge and fortitude. His burden is heavy and his path is long
9. To overcome oneself and return to what is proper in oneself - this is what true humanity is. To be humane or not to be - it depends only on ourselves
10. According to their natural inclinations, people are close to each other, but according to their habits they are far from each other.
11. A perfect person looks for everything in himself, an insignificant person - in others
12. Study and, when the time comes, apply what you have learned to business - isn’t that wonderful! Talking with a friend who has come from afar - isn’t it joyful! Not to be appreciated by the world and not to harbor a grudge - isn’t that sublime!
13. The most worthy men escaped the shackles of the whole world, followed by those who escaped attachment to a certain place, followed by those who escaped the temptations of the flesh, followed by those who were able to avoid slander
14. Those who do not think about distant difficulties will certainly face near troubles
15. A noble man awaits the commands of Heaven with dignity. A short man fussily waits for luck
16. A worthy person does not follow in the footsteps of other people.
17. A noble husband is serene in his soul. A low man is always preoccupied
18. A scientist seeking the truth, but ashamed of poor clothing and rough food! What else is there to talk about!
19. When assessing worldly affairs, a noble man neither rejects nor approves of anything, but measures everything with justice.
20. A truly humane husband achieves everything through his own efforts.
21. A noble husband honors duty above all else. A noble man, endowed with courage, but ignorant of duty, can become a rebel. A lowly man, endowed with courage, but ignorant of duty, can indulge in robbery
22. Everyone can become a noble husband. You just need to decide to become one
23. The word must be true, the action must be decisive
24. A noble man knows only duty, a low man knows only benefit
25. He who studies without thinking will fall into error. He who thinks without wanting to learn will find himself in difficulty.
26. If nature overshadows education in a person, the result will be a savage, and if education overshadows nature, the result will be an expert in the scriptures. Only one in whom nature and education are in balance can be considered a worthy husband
27. Give instructions only to those who seek knowledge after revealing their ignorance. Provide help only to those who do not know how to clearly express their cherished thoughts. Train only those who, having learned about one corner of a square, can imagine the other three.
28. Even in the company of two people, I will certainly find something to learn from them. I will try to imitate their virtues, and I will learn from their shortcomings.
29. Reverence without knowledge of what is due turns into self-torture. Caution without proper knowledge turns into cowardice. Bravery without proper knowledge turns into recklessness. Straightforwardness without knowledge of what is due turns into rudeness
30. It is not easy to meet a person who, having devoted three years of his life to teaching, would not dream of occupying a high position
31. In ancient times, people studied in order to improve themselves. Nowadays they study in order to surprise others
32. Study as if you constantly feel the lack of your knowledge, and as if you are constantly afraid of losing your knowledge
33. Only the wisest and the stupidest are not teachable.
34. Without knowing fate, you cannot become a noble husband. Without knowing what you should, you cannot find support in life. Without learning to understand the true meaning of words, you cannot know people
35. Blessed is the one who knows nothing: he does not risk being misunderstood
36. Don't worry about people not knowing you, but worry about not knowing people.
37. He who, turning to the old, is able to discover new things, is worthy of being a teacher.
38. The teacher said: “My case seems hopeless. I have not yet met a person who, knowing about his mistakes, would admit his guilt to himself.”
39. The only real mistake is not correcting your past mistakes.
40. A noble husband does not expect deception from anyone, but when he is deceived, he is the first to notice it
41. Everyone makes mistakes depending on their bias. Look closely at a person's mistakes - and you will know the degree of his humanity
42. I don’t get upset if people don’t understand me, I get upset if I don’t understand people
43. Three mistakes are made around a noble husband: speaking to him when words do not reach him is rashness; not speaking when the words would reach him is secrecy; and speaking without watching his expression is blindness
44. Changes do not occur only with the highest wisdom and the lowest stupidity
45. There are three ways for a person to act wisely: the first, the most noble, is reflection; the second, the easiest, is imitation; the third, the most bitter, is experience
46. People in ancient times did not like to talk much. They considered it a shame for themselves not to keep up with their own words
47. It is enough for words to express meaning
48. Silence is a true friend who will never change
49. Complaining about an unpleasant thing is doubling the evil; laughing at her is destroying him
50. When you don’t know words, you have nothing to get to know people
51. A noble man strives to speak tongue-tied but act skillfully
52. In a country where there is order, be bold in both actions and speeches. In a country where there is no order, be bold in your actions but careful in your speech.
53. Virtue will not remain alone. She will definitely have neighbors
54. A noble husband helps people see what is good in them, and does not teach people to see what is bad in them. A low person does the opposite
55. If a person is firm, decisive, simple and quiet, then he is already close to humanity
56. Try to be at least a little kinder, and you will find that you will not be able to commit a bad act.
57. It is wonderful where mercy resides. Is it possible to achieve wisdom if you do not live in its region?
58. Sending people to war untrained means betraying them
59. Don’t have friends who are inferior to you morally
60. Only a truly humane person is capable of both loving and hating
61. A respectful son is one who upsets his father and mother only with his illness
62. When serving your father and mother, admonish them as gently as possible. If your advice does not work, remain respectful and humble. Even if you are annoyed in your heart, do not express your dissatisfaction
63. He who cannot instruct his family to goodness cannot learn himself.
65. A noble man endures adversity steadfastly, but a lowly man blossoms in trouble
66. A restrained person has fewer mistakes
67. He who cannot concentrate within himself or is carried away by something, seeing will not see, hearing will not hear, tasting will not discern the taste.
68. Don't worry about not having a high rank. Worry about whether you are worthy to have a high rank. Don't worry about not being known. Worry about whether you are worthy of being known
69. When meeting a worthy person, think about how to become equal to him. When dating a low person, take a closer look at yourself and judge yourself
70. If you are overly zealous in your service, you will lose the favor of the sovereign. If you are overly cordial in your friendship, you will lose the favor of your friends
71. When away from home, behave as if you were receiving honored guests. When using the services of people, behave as if you were performing a solemn ceremony. Don't do to others what you wouldn't want for yourself. Then there will be no discontent either in the state or in the family
72. In relationships with friends, advise them to do only what they are capable of doing, and lead them to goodness without violating decency, but do not try to act where there is no hope of success. Don't put yourself in a humiliating position
73. Someone asked: “Is it true that they say that evil must be repaid with good?” The teacher said: “Then how do you pay for good? For evil you must pay with justice, and for good with good.”
74. Be strict with yourself and gentle with others. This way you will protect yourself from human hostility.
75. A noble husband knows about his superiority, but avoids rivalry. He gets along with everyone, but does not collude with anyone
76. A noble husband must beware of three things in his life: in his youth, when vital forces are abundant, beware of infatuation with women; in maturity, when the vital forces are powerful, beware of rivalry; in old age, when vitality is scarce, beware of stinginess
77. It is most difficult to build relationships correctly with women and low people. If you bring them closer to you, they will become cheeky; if you move them away from you, they will hate
78. People want wealth and fame for themselves; if both cannot be obtained honestly, they should be avoided
79. People are afraid of poverty and obscurity; if both cannot be avoided without losing honor, they should be accepted
80. If you have the opportunity to show mercy, do not let even the teacher go ahead.
81. A noble man lives in harmony with everyone, but a low man seeks his own kind
82. The secret of good government: let the ruler be the ruler, the subject the subject, the father the father, and the son the son
83. When the paths are unequal, they do not make plans together.
84. To respect every person as ourselves, and to do with him as we wish to be treated with us - there is nothing higher than this
85. Without learning decency, you will not establish yourself
86. Pay for evil with sincerity, and pay for good with goodness
87. Don’t complain about snow on your neighbor’s roof if your own threshold isn’t cleared.
88. Noble people live in harmony with other people, but do not follow other people, lowly people follow other people, but do not live in harmony with them.
89. To control oneself so much as to respect others as oneself, and to do with them as we wish to be done with us - this is what can be called the doctrine of philanthropy
90. If you are straightforward, then everything will be done without orders. And if they themselves are not straight, they will not obey, even if they are ordered
91. A noble husband, attached to the comforts of home, is not worthy to be called such
92. Sophisticated words destroy virtue. Intemperance in small things will ruin a great cause
93. The one who, having lived to forty years, causes only hostility, is a finished person
94. How can you deal with a person who cannot be trusted? If a cart doesn't have an axle, how can you ride in it?
95. Of all crimes, the most serious is heartlessness
96. If you don’t have bad thoughts, you won’t have bad deeds 97. An angry person is always full of poison
98. Visiting and listening to evil people is already the beginning of an evil deed.
99. A noble man blames himself, a small man blames others
100. When the state is governed in accordance with reason, poverty and need are shameful; when the state is not governed according to reason, then wealth and honor are shameful
101. When they proceed only from profit, they multiply anger
102. Young people should not be looked down upon. It is very possible that, having matured, they will become outstanding men. Only those who have achieved nothing by living to be forty or fifty years old do not deserve respect
103. If we know so little about life, what can we know about death?
104. Not talking to a person who is worthy of talking means losing a person. And talking to a person who is not worthy of conversation means losing words. The wise man loses neither people nor words
105. The fact that you were offended or robbed does not mean anything if you do not constantly remember it
106. An angry person is always full of poison
The most accessible life lessons for a person to understand. They inspire people very effectively. Human-human interactions are built on important life principles that many try to adhere to. Many sages expressed their rules of life, the eastern countries were especially famous for this. Many people are familiar with the name of the famous Chinese thinker Confucius. Sayings, wise aphorisms and quotes from geniuses fill the pages of books and websites.
This man created an entire doctrine, which is also called religion - Confucianism. Morals, ethics and principles of life are inherent in this teaching. Quotes, aphorisms and wise sayings of Confucius indicate that the sage dreamed of building a harmonious and highly moral society. The golden rule of his ethics was: “Do not do to others what you do not wish for yourself.” People perceive the aphorisms and sayings of Confucius very sensitively. The teaching of genius has been popular for 20 centuries. Get to know this legendary figure, the sayings of Confucius and their explanation.
The Long Road to Wisdom
Sometimes they shout to a person with special mental abilities: “You’re like Confucius!” The sayings of the Chinese sage make you touch the origins of his wisdom and reread his aphoristic sayings. Is there some centuries-old secret of Eastern wisdom, is it different from the usual Western one? In the course of our analysis of the sayings of Confucius, this will become clear to you.
Where did the origins of the wisdom of the Chinese genius come from? Let's start a little with the childhood of a teacher from the Kun family or Kung Fu Tzu, as he was called in his homeland in China. The name Confucius is considered to be a Latinized form. The teacher lived from 551 to 479 BC. e. Many of the sayings of Chinese Confucius have survived to this day, thanks to the retellings and recordings of later interpreters and students.
The sage was born in the village of Qufu, in Shandong province. He belongs to an ancient aristocratic, albeit impoverished, family. His father married three times in order to obtain a worthy heir. This is exactly what the future thinker became. And although the father died three years later, the mother gave her son a highly moral upbringing. In many ways, the formation of Confucius’s ideas about an ideal society and a harmonious person is due to the pure spiritual qualities of this highly moral woman.
The absence of his father in the house forced the young man to work early. He educated himself and searched for the truth. He learned to read early and tried to comprehend all the lines he learned. In Confucius's statements about work and life, one can feel the fusion of thoughts of his worthy predecessors. He worked as a caretaker of warehouses and state lands. But this position did not bring him satisfaction. At the age of 22, the young man became a private Chinese teacher. Having already become a sought-after specialist, he began to teach children from different segments of the population, without paying attention to their well-being.
In communication with people, in the wanderings of the sage, Confucius’s wittiest sayings about man were born. This led him to receive the prestigious position of Minister of Justice. Here he had envious people and slanderers who contributed to the expulsion of the minister from his native land. Confucius began to travel and preach. He went on this pilgrimage for 13 years. In all corners of China, wise sayings of Confucius about creativity, family, and relationships between people were heard.
Returning to his native land, the thinker began to engage in teaching activities. By the end of his life he had trained about three thousand people. Philosophy became the basis of his postulates. Biographers even claim that the Teacher knew the date of his death in advance. As soon as he passed away, the Chinese noticed his absence in the country's culture. But Confucianism received many followers and successors. From 136 BC. e. it is an official religious cult in China. Confucius became a deity and temples were named after him. Only in the 20th century, after the Xinhai Revolution, did centuries-old authorities begin to be overthrown.
Disciples of Confucius collected all his wise aphorisms and quotes in the book "Conversations and Judgments." In European countries it is called "Analects of Confucius". Analects are quotes, apt sayings, short poems. We worked on this unique collection for half a century. His sayings teach humanity, piety, respect for elders and explain other moral and ethical foundations of society.
How do our contemporaries see Confucius? After the communist denials of the teachings of Confucius, sobering up finally came. In recent years, the Chinese have again become interested in Confucianism and the personality of the Master. Many tourists go to the places of his wanderings and hold memorial events in his honor. The teachings of the philosopher were again included in the educational programs of Chinese schoolchildren and students.
Vision of good and evil, virtue and vice
A lot of aphorisms and sayings of Confucius are devoted to thoughts about existence, good and evil. The thinker saw a commonality between the laws of nature and human development. He had confidence in subordinating everything in the world to a single algorithm. The philosopher himself studied well and comprehended all the teachings of his predecessors. Some people today question Christian tenets. For example, not everyone can understand why evil must be answered with good. Many people wonder how to relate to the insults inflicted on us; should we respond in kind?
In the raging ocean of everyday passions, quotes from Confucius can become a reliable compass, sometimes a little paradoxical, a little outside the usual system of values. The Chinese Teacher believed that evil should be punished fairly, and good people should be reciprocated with good. A bit of an unexpected decision compared to Christianity. Confucius placed the measure of justice in the hands of the person himself, acting according to circumstances. He also did not deny that someone is watching people from above and rewarding them for their merits and justice. Here are his most striking statements in this direction:
- It is important to be strict with yourself and gentle with others, this is how people’s hostility is protected.
- If you show more kindness, then there will be no place for bad deeds in life.
- Virtue is not alone, it always has neighbors.
- If you can show mercy, then do it even without prompting from the teacher.
- Wisdom can only be achieved by showing mercy.
About the nobility of the soul
Many of the sage's sayings are dedicated to nobility. Sometimes they also contradict the point of view of daily experience. Let us give an example of the maxim: “A noble person helps to see only the good in himself, while a lowly person points out the bad.” However, one cannot draw a line between man and life. The paradoxes of Confucius make you think, reflect, and debate. Here, for example, is a controversial statement: “A noble person who lives only in the comforts of home cannot be called such.” Here is another selection of quotes on this topic:
About love, man and woman, parents and children, friends
Confucius has many sayings and aphorisms that describe various relationships: family, friendship, love. After all, friends and our environment often bring us joy, but sometimes disappointment. The philosopher has a lot of advice on this matter. Everyone can find something useful in them:
- It is difficult to build correct relationships with women and low people. Getting closer to oneself leads to their swagger, and moving away leads to hatred.
- A respectful son can be called one who brings grief to his parents only through illness.
- It's better not to deal with a person you don't trust. After all, it is impossible to ride a cart without an axle.
- Friends need to be helped and taught to do good, but there is no need to put yourself in a humiliating position in front of those who cannot be changed.
- You should not show excessive cordiality in friendship, this can lead to loss of favor with friends.
Confucius also had sayings about love. He called love the beginning and end of everything that exists. The sage worshiped love and believed that without it there is no life.
About complex human vicissitudes
Confucius believed that only true sages and fools cannot be taught. He valued knowledge very much and considered it the highest goal of a self-respecting individual. He studied throughout his life and passed on wisdom to his followers. Today we too can enjoy this bottomless source of wisdom. Here are his sayings on this matter:
- You need to study as if you constantly lack knowledge or are afraid of losing it.
- Bravery without knowledge is recklessness, respect without knowledge is self-torture, caution without knowledge is cowardice, straightforwardness without knowledge is rudeness.
- There are no words to describe a scientist who seeks the truth, but is ashamed of poor clothing and rough food.
- You can endlessly enjoy a child walking confidently along the path of life after you have shown him the path.
- Through archery we can learn to seek truth. A missed shooter does not look for blame in others, but only in himself.
- Anyone who does not think about the future will face unexpected troubles.
- Anyone who does not teach to show kindness to his family does not learn himself.
- Anyone who does not reflect on the teaching is always mistaken. A person who thinks but does not want to learn finds himself in difficult situations.
- It is not common for a wise person to do to another what he would not wish for himself.
Success and achieving happiness
Confucius also did not ignore the issues of achieving goals and success in his sayings. In them he gives advice on how to deal with envious people and find balance. Many are familiar with his famous phrase on this matter: “If they spit in your back, it means you are going ahead.” Here are some more quotes:
The meaning of experience, truth and human qualities
“One person curses the darkness all his life, and another lights a small candle,” this phrase betrays the moral experience of many generations. Unfortunately, there are many more critics than those who roll up their sleeves and correct something. The classic of Eastern ethics and philosophy accurately noted that hatred speaks of victory over you. He also noted that earlier people studied in order to improve, but now in order to surprise others with their knowledge. Here are some more apt sayings of the sage:
- If wealth and fame cannot be acquired honestly, then you need to avoid them. If you cannot avoid poverty and obscurity, then you need to accept them.
- People are brought together by natural inclinations, but separated by habits.
- In ancient times, verbosity was not accepted. Then it was shameful not to keep up with your words.
- The closest thing to humanity is a firm, decisive, simple and taciturn husband.
- Humanity is very close to us, we just have to desire it.
- A worthy person does not imitate others; he evaluates actions fairly.
Sayings of Confucius about life
The Chinese thinker was interested in everything, he was inquisitive, and preached kindness and philanthropy. He tries to embrace even something immense. Consider the following sayings of Confucius about life:
- A person cannot know what death is because he does not know what life is.
- Before you take revenge, dig two graves.
- If you watch a person, delve into his actions, take a closer look at his leisure time, then he will not be a mystery to you.
- Sometimes a person notices a lot, but does not see the main thing.
- To become human or not depends only on the person himself.
- Strive to be like worthy people, take a closer look at your shortcomings when meeting a low person.
- Advise only the one who strives for knowledge, help only the one who dreams of it, teach only the one who wants to comprehend more.
Sayings of Confucius on work and art
How often do people in companies begin to condemn certain politicians and public figures. Many people think that they would be better at one thing or another. They themselves cannot make sense of their own family or team. Here are some of Confucius's sayings about creativity and attitude towards subordinates:
- The most important thing in government is for the ruler to be a ruler, the subordinate to be the subordinate, the father to be the father, and the son to be the son.
- Don't hold yourself back in small things, it can ruin a great cause.
- There is no need to worry about not having a high rank; it is much more worrying to be worthy of this rank.
- Even when separated, Heaven and Earth do one thing.
- Everyone has the power to become a noble husband, you just need to decide to do it.
- The one who discovers something new by turning to the old is worthy of being a teacher.
- To earn the respect of people, you need to manage them with dignity. If you want people to work hard, treat them kindly.
- He who finds a job he likes will never work a single day in his life.
About myself
The world of amazing sayings and witty observations of the eastern sage is simply amazing! Some of his statements relate to Confucius himself:
- I need a lot of work to expand my knowledge, not to brag to others, not to feel tired, to teach others and not to be disappointed.
- I have never met a person who lived in solitude to achieve his goal, who followed what was necessary to realize his truth.
- Even among two people, I will find something to learn. I will emulate their strengths and learn from their weaknesses.
Each of you can choose from among the many sayings of Confucius a wise guide to life. This will help you cope with difficulties and choose the right path to wisdom.
