The Philosopher
Confucius
The face
The background
- Nationality:
- Chinese
- Schools:
- Confucianism, Neo-Confucianism, New Confucianism
- Branchs:
- Ethics, Political philosophy, Social philosophy, Education, Music
- Period:
- Spring and Autumn period
The synopsis
Confucius (551–479 BCE), born Kong Qiu, was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period. His teachings, known as Confucianism, emphasized personal and governmental morality, the correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity. He is considered the paragon of Chinese sages. Confucius advocated for filial piety, family loyalty, ancestor veneration, and respect for elders. He promoted the Silver Rule: "Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself." His ideas gained prominence during the Warring States period and became official imperial philosophy under Emperor Wu of Han. Confucianism evolved into Neo-Confucianism and influenced East Asian culture for centuries. Aphorisms on his teachings were compiled in the *Analects* after his death. He is traditionally credited with authoring or editing ancient texts, though modern scholarship advises caution. Confucius was born in Zou, Lu (modern Qufu, Shandong) and died around 71–72 years old. He is buried on the bank of the Sishui River.
The works
Analects
Five Classics
The quotes
When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
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.
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
When anger rises, think of the consequences.
Study the past, if you would divine the future.
To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
Faced with what is right, to leave it undone shows a lack of courage.
If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.
I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
I hear, I know. I see, I remember. I do, I understand.
To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.
He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.
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.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Old age, believe me, is a good and pleasant thing. It is true you are gently shouldered off the stage, but then you are given such a comfortable front stall as spectator.
To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.
In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage, or of principle.
A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.
If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
If we don't know life, how can we know death?
The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
How to play music may be known. At the commencement of the piece, all the parts should sound together. As it proceeds, they should be in harmony while severally distinct and flowing without break, and thus on to the conclusion.
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.