I recently read this book. This is a book by Confucius’ students – he himself never did any writings. There are many translations of the books, and while none of them are perfect, I found these quotes to be my favorite ones.
[01-01] Is it not pleasant to learn with a constant perseverance and application? Is it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters? Is he not a man of complete virtue, who feels no discomposure though men may take no note of him?
[01-08] If the scholar be not grave, he will not call forth any veneration, and his learning will not be solid. Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles. Have no friends not equal to yourself. When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.
[02-10] See what a man does. Mark his motives. Examine in what things he rests. How can a man conceal his character? How can a man conceal his character?
[02-15] Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous
[04-03] It is only the (truly) virtuous man, who can love, or who can hate, others.
[04-07] The faults of men are characteristic of the class to which they belong. By observing a man’s faults, it may be known that he is virtuous.
[04-10] The superior man, in the world, does not set his mind either for anything, or against anything; what is right he will follow.
[04-24] The superior man wishes to be slow in his speech and earnest in his conduct.
[04-25] Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.
[05-06] The Master was wishing Qi Diao Kai to enter an official employment. He replied, “I am not yet able to rest in the assurance of THIS.” The Master was pleased.
[05-20] Ji Wen thought thrice, and then acted. When the Master was informed of it, he said, “Twice may do.”
[06-17] [Perfect virtue is] gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
[06-30] Now the man of perfect virtue, wishing to be established himself, seeks also to establish others; wishing to be enlarged himself, he seeks also to enlarge others. To be able to judge of others by what is nigh in ourselves – this may be called the art of virtue.
[07-22] When I walk along with two others, they may serve me as my teachers. I will select their good qualities and follow them, their bad qualities and avoid them.
[07-25] There were four things which the Master taught: letters, ethics, devotion of soul, and truthfulness.
[07-37] The superior man is satisfied and composed; the mean man is always full of distress.
[07-38] The teacher is mild, and yet dignified; majestic, and yet not fierce; respectful, and yet easy.
[08-17] Learn as if you could not reach your object, and were always fearing also lest you should lose it.
[09-29] The wise are free from perplexities; the virtuous from anxiety; and the bold from fear.
[12-14] The art of governing is to keep its affairs before the mind without weariness, and to practice them with undeviating consistency.
[12-23] Faithfully admonish your friend, and skillfully lead him on. If you find him impracticable, stop. Do not disgrace yourself.
[12-24] The superior man on grounds of culture meets with his friends, and by friendship helps his virtue.
[14-27] The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.
[15-15] He who requires much from himself and little from others, will keep himself from being the object of resentment.
[15-24] What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
Education -> confidence -> hope -> peace.
Wherever you go, go with all your heart.
Love others, understand others.
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