Inspirational Quotes
Words to motivate, inspire, and guide you.
Confucius Quotes
Self-ImprovementHumilityInner DriveCharacter The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
Self-revelationAuthenticityUnderstanding Others Look at the means which a man employs, consider his motives, observe his pleasures. A man simply cannot conceal himself!
GovernancePovertyWealthJustice In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
VirtueIntegrityPerseveranceSteadfastness The superior man does not, even for the space of a single meal, act contrary to virtue. In moments of haste, he cleaves to it. In seasons of danger, he cleaves to it.
SelfishnessReputationCriticism He who acts with a constant view to his own advantage will be much murmured against.
RespectVirtueFriendshipEducation A youth, when at home, should be filial and, abroad, respectful to his elders. He should be earnest and truthful. He should overflow in love to all and cultivate the friendship of the good. When he has time and opportunity, after the performance of these things, he should employ them in polite studies.
WisdomCompassionCourage Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
DiligencePreparationExcellence The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.
LearningWisdomSelf-Improvement If some years were added to my life, I would give fifty to the study of the Yi, and then I might come to be without great faults.
FirmnessEnduranceSimplicityModestyVirtue The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue.
WinningSuccessPotentialExcellence 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.
ChallengePerseveranceFocusSuccess The superior man makes the difficulty to be overcome his first interest; success only comes later.
VisionPlanningLegacyEducation If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teach the people.
IntegrityWisdomValue The superior man understands what is right; the inferior man understands what will sell.
KnowledgeHumilitySelf-awarenessHonesty 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.
VirtueGravityGenerositySincerityKindness To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.
BooksKnowledgeDiscoverySelf-ImprovementAppreciation The book salesman should be honored because he brings to our attention, as a rule, the very books we need most and neglect most.
AuthenticitySelf-DiscoveryIndividualityInner Self I want you to be everything that's you, deep at the center of your being.
LeadershipVirtueInfluenceGuidanceIntegrity 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.
TruthSelf-ControlGenerosityVirtue Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
RespectHumanityMoralityEthics Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts?
ForgivenessMoving ForwardMemorySelf-Reflection To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.
TalentPotentialExcellenceKnowledge Sharing To those whose talents are above mediocrity, the highest subjects may be announced. To those who are below mediocrity, the highest subjects may not be announced.
ResiliencePerseveranceEffort Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
AdaptabilityControlResultExecution When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.
LeadershipIntegrityActionWisdom The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.
TrustFriendshipBetrayalDeceitLoyalty It is more shameful to distrust our friends than to be deceived by them.
PreparationPlanningEffortConsequence Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.