Hearing the name Confucius, one would think it belonged to a Greek philosopher, but alas it is for a popular Chinese philosopher. Confucius was a philosopher and politician who brought about the philosophy of Confucianism emphasizing on personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, kindness, and sincerity.

His thoughts were further developed into a system known as Neo-Confucianism, then later changed to New Confucianism (Modern Neo-Confucianism)

His principles were in line with Chinese traditions and beliefs, championing strong family loyalty, ancestor veneration, and respect of elders by their children and of husbands by their wives. He also recommended family as a basis of ideal government.

He advocated the well-known principle “Do not do unto others what you do not want done to yourself”, the Golden Rule. He is also a traditional deity in Daoism.

We look at some of his life changing thoughts, they are as follows;

“The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.” — Confucius

“The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” — Confucius

“As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.” — Confucius

“The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty oak which breaks in a storm.” — Confucius

“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” — Confucius

“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” — Confucius

“Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.” — Confucius

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius

“A man without persistence will never make a good shaman or a good physician.” — Confucius

Do everything in moderation, even moderation.” — Confucius

“The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.” — Confucius

“If you expect great things of yourself and demand little of others, you’ll keep resentment far away.” — Confucius

“The demands that good people make are upon themselves; Those that bad people make are upon others.” — Confucius

“Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.” — Confucius

“Silence is a true friend who never betrays.” — Confucius

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.” — Confucius

“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.” — Confucius