You cannot treat spirits and divinities properly before you are able to treat your fellow-men properly."
(The Sayings of Confucius XI 12)


Confucius said, "When the Way prevails in the Empire, the rites and music and punitive expeditions are initiated by the Emperor. When the Way does not prevail in the Empire, they are initiated by the feudal lords, [then] it is surprising if power does not pass from the Emperor within ten generations.
(The Sayings of Confucius XVI.2)


Confucius said, "When the Way prevails in the Empire, the rites and music and punitive expeditions are initiated by the Emperor. When the Way does not prevail in the Empire, they are initiated by the feudal lords, [then] it is surprising if power does not pass from the Emperor within ten generations.
(The Sayings of Confucius XVI.2


I shall always teach, even if but a pittance
be offered me.
(The Sayings of Confucius V. 7)


Tuan-Tz'u said, "What I do not wish others to do unto me
I also wish not to do unto others."
(The Sayings of Confucius)

Today when people call a man filial they mean that he is supporting his parents. But he does as much for his dogs and horses! If he does not show respect for his parents, how is he differentiating between them and the animals?
(The Sayings of Confucius II. 7)

The gentleman helps others to realize what is good in them; he does not help them to realize what is bad in them. The small man does the opposite.
(The Sayings of Confucius Book XII 16)

What is meant by the four wicked practices? The Master said, "To impose the death penalty without first attempting to reform is to be cruel; to expect results without first giving warning is to be tyrannical; to insist on a time limit when tardy in issuing orders is to cause injury. When something has to be given to others anyway, to be miserly in the actual giving is to be officious.
(The Sayings of Confucius Book XX)

The Master said "Men of antiquity studied to improve themselves; men today study to impress others.
(The Sayings of Confucius Book XIV 24)


Tseng Tzu said, "A Gentleman must be strong and resolute, for his burden is heavy and the road is long. He takes benevolence as his burden. Is that not heavy? Only when death does the road come to an end. Is that not long?
(The Sayings of Confucius. Book VIII 7)

"If in work you are conscientious and trustworthy and in deed singleminded and reverent, then even in the lands of the barbarians you will go forward without obstruction. But if you fail go be conscientious and trustworthy in word or to be singleminded and reverent in deed, then can you be sure of going forward without obstruction even in your own neighborhood?
(The Sayings of Confucius Book XV 6)


"You do not understand even life. How can you understand death?"
(The Sayings of Confucius)

Noble persons first practice what they preach and afterwards preach according to their practice.
If, when you look into your own heart, you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about?
What is there to fear?
It is fate that will determine whether System prevails or fails.
(The Sayings of Confucius XIV.36)