Confucius was a great Chinese thinker, teacher, editor and politician who was famous for his popular precepts and social teachings among the Chinese people of his times.
Born Kong Qui in 551 BC in Qufu, China, Confucius was brought up by his mother after his father, an elderly commandant died when he was only 3. He married at 19 and had three children; one of whom died in her infancy. Throughout his life, Confucius came up with commendable ways of people relating with each other within families and general public. Most of his concepts were adapted to become educational protocols when he died in 479 BC.
Confucius’ teachings came at a time when the Chinese seemed to be diverting from their traditions. His beliefs and teachings on humanism pointed to love for fellow humans. He emphasized on the Golden rule; ‘What you do not wish for yourself, do not do to others.’ He emphasized on people cherishing each other over their love for possessions.
In the political arena, Confucius emphasized ruling by rites and how people evolved morally over coercing and bribery. He called upon politicians to lead by example and teaching their subjects the right way to live. He didn’t believe in democracy or self-government since he felt that not everyone was gifted to govern themselves. He also valued respect for elders and ancestral worship.
Having been educated at the school of commoners, Confucius believed in the Six Arts which he was taught; archery, computation, chariot-driving, practicing rituals, calligraphy and music. He engaged his followers in discussions and debates, giving priority to their learning poetry, history and rituals.
Being so knowledgeable, his followers had more chances of being employed even where their principles differed from those of their employers. In his 20s, Confucius got several government jobs serving under various leaders. He was also once hired as a bookkeeper and as a caretaker of horses and sheep.
Confucius was considered a sage with his philosophies influencing neighboring countries; Vietnam, Korea and Japan.
Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
Confucius
Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.
Confucius
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.
Confucius
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
Confucius
Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.
Confucius
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Confucius
The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.
Confucius
He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.
Confucius
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
Confucius
The man who says he can, and the man who says he can’t are both correct.
Confucius
It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.
Confucius
Respect yourself and others will respect you.
Confucius
