Confucius

If I understand change, I shall make no great mistake in life.

Confucius

If I were travelling with two partners, one virtuous and one dishonest, both would be useful as teachers. I would perceive what’s good of the first one and I would imitate him whereas I would try to correct in me the defects I may see in the second one.

Confucius

If language is not correct, then what is said is not what is meant. If what is said is not what is meant, then what ought to be done, remains undone.

Confucius

If my mind is not engaged in my worship, it is as though I worshipped not.

Confucius

If names are not correct, then language is not in accord with the truth of things. If language is not in accord with the truth of things, then affairs cannot be carried out successfully.

Confucius

If one leads them with administrative measures and uses punishments to make them conform, the people will be evasive, but if one leads them with virtue, they will come up to expectations.

Confucius

If things far away don’t concern you, you’ll soon mourn things close at hand.

Confucius

If we don’t know life, how can we know death?

Confucius

If what one has to say is not better than silence, then one should keep silent.

Confucius

If you devote your life to seeking revenge, first dig two graves.

Confucius