Confucius Quotes – 35 Sayings and Wisdoms From the Chinese Philosopher

Looking for inspirational Confucius quotes? Then don't click any further - and if you do, then only with all your heart! Confucius was a Chinese philosopher who firmly believed that all people and society as a whole could benefit from lifelong learning and moral action. His teachings developed into the national identity of his homeland.

Here I would like to give you a collection of his most valuable quotes and most important Chinese wisdom. Let's go!

My please: Keep in mind that many of Confucius' quotes have been translated. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them and feel free to leave a corrective comment. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

35 Inspirational Quotes And Wisdom From Confucius

An integral part of his teachings was a harmonious order between human individuals. Respect and charity therefore played a very special role in the values of the Chinese scholar, as you will easily see from the following quotations.

Confucius quotes 1 - 10

1. "Set free what you love. If it comes back it is yours – forever."
2. "Men's natures are alike. It is their habits that carry them far apart."
3. "Wherever you go, go with all your heart." 
4. "If you demand a lot from yourself but little from others, you will keep clear from resentment."
5. "It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
6. "The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life."
7. "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
8. "When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps."
9. "Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
10. "They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."

Tip: I have sent you a separate Collection of sayings about change compiled. You can also find out more in the linked article, Why we humans find change so difficult.

Confucius quotes 11 - 20

11. "Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace."
12. "It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them."
13. "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
14. "Everything has its intrinsic beauty, but not everyone notices it."
15. "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."
16. "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones."
17. "All the darkness in the world can't put out the light of one candle."
18. "Silence is a true friend that never betrays."
19. "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge." 
20. "Everyone eats and drinks; yet only few appreciate the taste of food."

Tip: If you want to learn more about Confucius and his wisdom, I can recommend the book Confucius in 60 minutes* recommend. You will quickly realize how far ahead of his time was the most influential philosopher of East Asia.

Confucius quotes 21 - 30

21. "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
22. "Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage."
23. "When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills."
24. "He does not preach what he practices till he has practiced what he preaches."
25. "Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others."
26. "A man who has committed a mistake and does not correct is committing another mistake."
27. "To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge."
28. "Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change."
29. "Respect yourself and others will respect you."
30. "You cannot open a book without learning something."

Confucius quotes 30 - 35

31. "If you would one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day."
32. "A legendary horse is praised not for its strength, but for its Integrity."
33. "Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without."
34. "He who plants a tree, will win the sky."
35. "All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get."

Can you think of any other sayings and wisdom from Confucius? Then I look forward to your suggestions in the comments.

Frequently asked questions about Confucius

Use the wisdom and quotes of Confucius as a constant source of inspiration!

Confucius began preaching moral values over 2500 years ago during the Chinese civil war. To this day, millions of people follow his teachings. I hope I have been able to inspire you with his wisdom.

Finally, I would like to further articles which fit in with the Chinese philosopher's values and should also help you personally:

• Sustainable life hacks from our grandparents
• Stopping world hunger - what everyone can do
• Improve your general knowledge - it's so easy
• Habits of successful people you should adopt

Do you have questions or more Confucius quotes on the tip of your tongue? Then feel free to write me a comment.

Stay inspired,

PS: Feel free to take a look or two at the Quotes blog. There you will also find, for example, the most valuable Sayings by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.