Confucius – Quotes – Part 1 – Kung Fu Tzu or Kun Fu Tse – Chinese Philosopher (551-479 BC)

 

Knowledge

Some are born with knowledge, some derive it from study, and some acquire it only after a painful realization of their ignorance. But the knowledge being possessed, it comes to the same thing. Some study with a natural ease, some from a desire for advantages, and some by strenuous effort. But the achievement being made, it comes to the same thing.

Things have their root and their branches. Affairs have their end and their beginning. To know what is first and what is last will lead near to what is taught in the Great Learning.

Within the peace and tranquility of your Self, you will find the answers to all of your questions and concerns.

If you have an orange and exchange it with another person who also has an orange, each of you will have one orange. But if you exchange an idea with someone who also has an idea, each of you will have two ideas.

There are things that are so clear we do not notice them. Once, an ignorant man set out with a torch in his hand searching for fire. If he had known what fire was he would have cooked his rice much sooner.

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.

Study without reflection is a waste of time; reflection without study is dangerous.

If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

I want nothing to do with people who do not ask: how is it done, how is it done?

The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials. Cultivating the spirit purifies him…

Before worrying myself about the right answer, I try to understand the question.

Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.

When you know a thing, to know that you know it, and when you do not know a thing, to recognize that you do not know it, there lies true wisdom.

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.

If you do not know, learn; if you already know, teach.

The essence of knowledge is that once you have it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance

I hear and I forgot. I see and I remember. I do and I learn.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Culture is above the differences of social condition.

Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star.

Experience is a lantern hanging on your back.

Study the past if you would divine the future.

I am not one who was born in the possession of knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity and earnest in seeking it there.

Tell me of your past and I will tell you your future.

If you want to know your past, look into your present conditions. If you want to know your future, look into your present actions.