This content is associated with The Open University Childhood and Youth Studies qualification.
Born in 551 BC, Confucius was a Chinese teacher and philosopher whose principles can still be applied to Chinese beliefs and traditions today, as well as philosophy across the globe. Take a look at twelve of the most famous quotes attributed to Confucius below and pick your favourite. The quotes have been taken from various different translated sources.1:
"Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned? Isn't it also great when friends visit from distant places? If one remains not annoyed when he is not understood by people around him, isn't he a sage?"
2:
"At home, a young man should be a good son, when outside he should treat others like his brothers, his behaviour should be one of trustworthy and proper, and should love the multitude at large and keep himself close to people of benevolence and morality. If after all these activities, he has any energy to spare, he should read widely to stay cultivated."
3:
"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."
4:
"He who excels in study can follow an official career.”
5:
“Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.”
6:
"A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake."
7:
"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."
8:
"It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family."
9:
"When you see a worthy person, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy person, then examine your inner self."
10:
"The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance."
11:
"Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others."
12:
"When I walk along with two others, from at least one I will be able to learn."
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