Confucius Quotes on Virtue
Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and political teacher of the Spring and Autumn period. This page collects quotes attributed to Confucius on the topic of virtue, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
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Attributed to Confucius:
“Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“At fifteen I had my mind bent on learning. At thirty I stood firm. At forty I had no doubts. At fifty I knew the decrees of Heaven. At sixty my ear was an obedient organ for the reception of truth. At seventy I could follow what my heart desired, without transgressing what was right.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“Have no friends not equal to yourself.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“When you see a man of worth, think of how to equal him; when you see a man of unworthy character, examine yourself.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“Riches and honours are what men desire. If they cannot be obtained in the proper way, they should not be held.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.”
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Attributed to Confucius:
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.”