For many centuries, the teachings of Confucius have been revered throughout East Asia and beyond, providing both a moral and philosophical guide to life. His insights still ring true, helping us manage the complexities of modern life. In this article, we’ll explore some of his most famous quotes and the timeless insights they offer.
The Life and Times of Confucius
Kongfuzi, commonly known as Confucius, lived during the 5th-3rd century BCE. He served as an official in the courts of the rulers of the Lu state in what is today eastern China, and went on to impart his teachings to millions of followers over the centuries. Many of his thoughts have survived in the Analects and other texts, which puts them in perspective and helps interpret the teachings for modern life.
What Does Confucius Teach Us About Life and Success?
Confucius’s main teaching was that of ren, and its importance is highlighted by the number of times it appears in the Analects:
“Ren is the principle of perfect behavior; it means goodness or ideal humaneness, and is to be effected through the heartfelt practice of li, which is the basic rule of Confucianism.”
For Confucius, ren was about practising virtue and treating others with compassion and respect. It was also about finding harmony between humanity and nature, and developing oneself morally and spiritually. Once these values have been developed, success and happiness will follow:
“He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the north polar star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.”
Confucius taught that, while striving for success and material gain is natural and desirable, we should also strive for balance, justice, and peace.
The Five Virtues of Confucianism
Confucius’s teachings on ren emphasised that all people should strive to cultivate certain virtues within themselves in order to realize their full potential. These five virtues define how people should behave and relate to each other, and are based on five relationships which are considered essential to society: father and son, ruler and subject, husband and wife, older and younger brother, and friend and friend. The five virtues of Confucianism are:
- Benevolence or Ren : Demonstrated by a sense of justice, kindness, respect and generosity.
- Righteousness or Yi : Demonstrated by always doing what is right and fair.
- Propriety or Li : Demonstrated by following proper behaviour in social situations.
- Wisdom or Zhi : Demonstrated by reflecting deeply on what one learns and taking action accordingly.
- Faithfulness or Xin : Demonstrated by truthfulness, loyalty and trustworthiness.
Wise Quotes By Confucius
Confucius is best known for his wise sayings. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
“The man of virtue makes the difficulty to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration.”
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
“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.”
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
“He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.”
“Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.”
How Can We Implement Confucianism in Our Lives?
Confucius’s teachings offer timeless insights into how we should live our lives, and can be applied to a wide range of situations. Here are some tips on how to put his philosophy into practice:
• Treat others with care and compassion.
• Act with integrity and respect.
• Make decisions based on a moral code.
• Cultivate self-awareness and properly understand yourself.
• Exercise self-control and actively work on mastering your emotions.
• Reflect on your actions and make amends when necessary.
• Prioritize relationships and communication over material gain.
• Find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
• Cultivate a sense of contentment and appreciation for the here and now.
Confucius’s teachings offer wisdom that has stood the test of time. He said, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated”, and his teachings remain as relevant today as they were two and a half thousand years ago. Whether it’s life, success or both that you seek, Confucius offers timeless insight that has embodied East Asian cultures for centuries.