Confucius
BC 551-479
Chinese Ethical Teacher and Philosopher

Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.

To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right.

Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change.

Don't complain about the snow on your neighbor's roof when your own doorstep is unclean.

It is better to light one small candle than to curse the darkness.

A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Faithfulness and sincerity are the highest things.

I am not concerned that I am not known, I seek to be worthy to be known.

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

Have no friends not equal to yourself.

Man who stand on hill with mouth open will wait long time for roast duck to drop in.

With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and my bent arm for a pillow -- I have still joy in the midst of all these things.

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge.

The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.

To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.

Of neighborhoods, benevolence is the most beautiful. How can the man be considered wise who when he had the choice does not settle in benevolence.

A man who does not think and plan long ahead will find trouble right at his door.

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.

He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

What the superior person seeks is in themselves. What the mean person seeks is in others.

If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.

To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Do not worry about holding high position; worry rather about playing your proper role.