Confucius

If a man be without the virtues proper to humanity, what has he to do with music?

Confucius

If a man in the morning hear the right way, he may die in the evening without regret.

Confucius

If an urn lacks the characteristics of an urn, how can we call it an urn?

Confucius

If either wealth or poverty are come by honesty, there is no shame.

Confucius

If I cannot get men who steer a middle course to associate with, I would far rather have the impetuous and hasty. For the impetuous at any rate assert themselves.

Confucius

If I do not participate in the sacrifice, it is as if I did not sacrifice at all.

Confucius

If language is not rectified, words do not correspond to meaning, and if words do not correspond to meaning, our deeds cannot be accomplished.

Confucius

If one learns from others, but does not think, one will be bewildered. If, on the other hand, one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril.

Confucius

If one should desire to know whether a kingdom is well governed, if its morals are good or bad, the quality of its music will furnish the answer.

Confucius

If proper in their own conduct, what difficulty would they have in governing? But if not able to be proper in their own conduct, how can they demand such conduct from others?

Confucius