Confucius

If the gentleman is not serious, he will not be respected, and his learning will not be on a firm foundation. He considers loyalty and faithfulness to be fundamental, has no friends who are not like him, and when he has made mistakes, he is not afraid of correcting them.

Confucius

If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame.

Confucius

If there were an honorable way to get rich, I’d do it, even if it meant being a stooge standing around with a whip. But there isn’t an honorable way, so I just do what I like.

Confucius

If there were one word that could act as a standard of conduct for one’s entire life, perhaps it would be ‘thoughtfulness’.

Confucius

If you can one day renovate yourself, do so from day to day.

Confucius

If you did not do so for the sake of riches, You must have done so for the sake of novelty.

Confucius

If you don’t know how to serve men, why worry about serving the gods?

Confucius

If you look at their intentions, examine their motives, and scrutinize what brings them contentment – how can people hide who they are? How can they hide who they really are?

Confucius

If you would govern a state of a thousand chariots, you must pay strict attention to business, be true to your word, be economical in expenditure and love the people.

Confucius

If your desire is for good, the people will be good.

Confucius