Philosophical Sayings

Attack the evil that is within yourself, rather than attacking the evil that is in others.

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.

You cannot open a book without learning something.

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.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

If you make a mistake and do not correct it, this is called a mistake.

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.

He who exercises government by means of his virtue may be compared to the North Star, which keeps its place and all the stars turn towards it.

In a state governed by the Way, poverty and low station are cause for shame; in a state bereft of the Way, wealth and high rank are cause for shame.

If the mechanic wishes to do his work well, he must first sharpen his tools.

Humanity is more important for people than water or fire. I have seen people walk through water and fire and die. I have never seen someone tread the path of humanity and perish.

Riches and honors are the things people desire; but if one obtains them by not following the Way, then one will not be able to hold them. Poverty and low position in society are the things that people hate; but if one can avoid them only by not follo…

The gentleman understands integrity; the petty person knows about profit.

Is humanity far away? Whenever I want the virtue of humanity, it comes at once.

The gentleman concerns himself with the Way; he does not worry about his salary.