Quotes from Confucius

Study the past, if you would divine the future.

The Duke of Shê asked about government. The Master said, When the near approve and the distant approach.

Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.

He who is influenced neither by the soaking in of slander nor by the assault of denunciation may indeed be called illumined.

He whose wisdom brings him into power, needs Goodness to secure that power. Else, though he get it, he will certainly lose it.

I for my part have never yet seen one who really cared for Goodness, nor one who really abhorred wickedness. One who really cared for Goodness would never let any other consideration come first. One who abhorred wickedness would be so constantly doing Good that wickedness would never have a chance to get at him.

To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.

You are there to rule, not to slay. If you desire what is good, the people will at once be good. The essence of the gentleman is that of wind; the essence of small people is that of grass. And when a wind passes over the grass, it cannot choose but bend.

Drum sei kein schellenlauter Tor, denn rechter Sinn und Weisheit tragen sich von selber vor.

He does not preach what he practices till he has practiced what he preaches.

The wheel of fortune turns round incessantly, and who can say to himself, I shall to-day be uppermost.

Things that are done, it is needless to speak about...things that are past, it is needless to blame.