5 Timeless Lessons from the Analects of Confucius

The Analects of Confucius is an ancient Chinese text that contains the philosophical teachings of the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius. Throughout the text, Confucius offers insights on various topics such as ethics, politics, and education. In this article, we will explore five notable quotes from the Analects of Confucius that continue to inspire and guide people to this day.

•  “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” This quote suggests that even the most daunting and impossible tasks can be achieved through perseverance and determination. By taking small, steady steps, we can gradually make progress and achieve our goals.

•  “To know what you know and what you do not know, that is true knowledge.” This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and humility. True knowledge is not just about what we know, but also about recognizing the limits of our knowledge and being open to learning from others.

•  “The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.” This quote suggests that true strength and greatness come not from boastful words, but from consistent and honorable actions. It is better to let our deeds speak for themselves than to make empty promises.

•  “It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.” This quote highlights the challenges and rewards of practicing compassion and empathy. It is easy to give into negative emotions and be unkind to others, but it takes effort and discipline to be loving and understanding.

•  “Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” This quote suggests that true wisdom lies in recognizing and acknowledging our own limitations and shortcomings. By understanding our own ignorance, we can open ourselves up to learning and growth.

 These quotes from the Analects of Confucius are still relevant and useful today because they offer timeless wisdom and guidance on how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

If you are interested in learning more about the Analects of Confucius and the philosophy of Confucianism, I would highly recommend the book “The Analects of Confucius” translated by Edward Slingerland. This book is a comprehensive and accessible translation of the Analects, providing a detailed and nuanced understanding of Confucius’s teachings. Slingerland’s translation is carefully crafted and offers helpful notes and commentary to provide context and clarity. In addition, the book includes a useful introduction that provides an overview of the historical background and significance of the Analects. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of Confucian philosophy.