Confucius

A country of a thousand war-chariots cannot be administered unless the ruler attends strictly to business, punctually observes his promises, is economical in expenditure, loves the people, and uses the labor of the peasantry only at the proper times of year.

Confucius

A disciple having asked for a definition of charity, the Master said love one another.

Confucius

A father’s and a mother’s age must be borne in mind; with joy on the one hand, fear on the other.

Confucius

A fool marvels at rare things, but a wise man at common ones.

Confucius

A gentleman can see a question from all sides without bias. The small man is biased and can see a question only from one side.

Confucius

A gentleman considers justice to be essential in everything. He practices it according to the principles of propriety. He brings it forth in modesty and faithfully completes it. This is indeed a gentleman.

Confucius

A gentleman is calm and spacious: the vulgar are always fretting.

Confucius

A gentleman, in his plans, thinks of the Way; he does not think how he is going to make a living. Even farming sometimes has a shortage; and even learning may incidentally bring a salary. A gentleman is concerned with the progress of the Way; he is not anxious about poverty.

Confucius

A good man does not make a warrior, just as good steel does not go for nails.

Confucius

A good man is not mine to see. Could I see a man possessed of constancy, that would satisfy me.

Confucius