Confucius was a renowned Chinese philosopher, teacher, and politician who lived in the 5th century BCE. He was the founder of the Confucianism, which is a moral, social, and political philosophy that has been widely influential in East Asia for over two thousand years. His teachings have been preserved in the form of sayings, known as the Analects, which contain a wealth of wisdom and insights into human behavior and society.
In this article, we have compiled a list of 30 thought-provoking quotes from Confucius that provide a glimpse into his philosophy and offer timeless advice and wisdom that can still be applied to our lives today. Whether you are looking for guidance, inspiration, or simply a dose of ancient wisdom, these quotes from Confucius are sure to leave a lasting impact on you.
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If you’re looking to delve deeper into the teachings of Confucius, I highly recommend the book “The Analects of Confucius” edited by Arthur Waley. This comprehensive volume provides a clear and accessible translation of Confucius’s most important work, the Analects.
With an introduction that provides historical context and an overview of Confucius’s philosophy, this book is the perfect starting point for anyone seeking to understand the sage’s thought and teachings. Whether you’re a student of philosophy, an admirer of Eastern thought, or simply interested in learning more about this influential figure, “The Analects of Confucius” is a must-read. So, pick up a copy today and discover the wisdom of Confucius for yourself!
We would love to hear your thoughts on the quotes and teachings of Confucius. Which of the 30 quotes listed in this article resonated with you the most, and why? Do you find Confucius’s philosophy relevant in today’s world? Do you agree or disagree with some of his ideas?
Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below, and let’s start a discussion on the timeless wisdom of Confucius. Your feedback and insights are valuable to us, and we can’t wait to hear what you have to say!
Sapiens Verbum 
Although I recognise some of these quotes, its the first time I’ve really read anything by Confucius; but on re-reading the ones you’ve listed I have to say the first one sticks most right now:
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop
We beat ourselves up if we’re not making progress quickly enough, or to someone else’s standards. This is a good reminder that even small, slow progress is still progress and we shouldn’t measure ourselves against the progress of others; nor should we let others dictate the pace of our progress. Right now, I can see this apply to quite a few aspects in life
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Absolutely! Confucius’ words hold so much wisdom, and this particular quote is a great reminder to focus on our own journey and not compare ourselves to others. Slow and steady wins the race!
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