Confucius was unarguably a truly righteous dude. He was dead set on fairness, equality, loyalty, respect and wisdom, as well as living a good life and being kind to those around him.
There is no doubt in our minds here at GS that if Confucius was alive today, he would include "Life Should Be FUN" and "Always Be Slightly Overdressed" in his repertoire.
Confucius (551 – 479 B.C.) was an early Chinese philosopher and politician.
To this day, Confucius is still known as one of the world’s greatest philosophers.
It is only fitting that Confucius Day was created to honour him and what he brought to mankind.
Born in China on October 18, 551 B.C., he was one of the earliest, and perhaps the very first of the great philosophers. He was also a teacher, a scholar, and a politician. He gave the world many teachings and gave the world 499 famous sayings.
"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
In few words, Confucius teaches us about patience, perseverance, discipline, and hard work.
If you probe further, you will see more layers. Confucius's philosophies, which are similar to humanist thought, have significantly influenced spiritual and social thought. His views bear insight and depth of wisdom, you can apply his teachings in every sphere of life.
Confucian proverbs have the power to transform lives, but they are not for casual reading. When you read them once, you feel the power of his words; read twice, and you will appreciate his deep thought; read them over and over again, and you will be enlightened...
Here is a collection of our favourite sayings attributed to Confucius himself:
"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."
"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance."
"In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of."
"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."
"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."
"When anger rises, think of the consequences."
"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals; adjust the action steps."
"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."
"To see what is right, and not to do it, is want of courage or of principle."
"People's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart."
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
"Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without."
"They must often change who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."
"What the superior person seeks is in himself; what the small person seeks is in others."
"Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure."
"Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire."
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."
"Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles."
"Respect yourself and others will respect you."
"Silence is a true friend who never betrays."
"The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence."
"Study the past if you would define the future."
"Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart."
"Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognised moral qualities of people."
"Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses."
"Have no friends not equal to yourself."
"Who exercises government by means of virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it."
"Who learns but does not think is lost! Who thinks but does not learn is in great danger."
"Who speaks without modesty will find it difficult to make their words good."
"The more people meditate upon good thoughts, the better will be their world and the world at large."
"The superior persom understands what is right; the inferior person understands what will sell."
"By nature, all people are nearly alike; by practice, they get to be wide apart."
"When we see people of a contrary character, we should turn inwards and examine ourselves."
"If I am walking with two other people, 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."
"Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."
"If you look into your own heart, and you find nothing wrong there, what is there to worry about? What is there to fear?"
"Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star."
"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."
"Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish people from beasts?"
Above all remember:
Always be slightly overdressed and life WILL be FUN!! 💞💖💞
