Confucius - Three Quotes

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The Master said, If out of the three hundred songs I had to take one phrase to cover all my teachings, I would say 'Let there be no evil in your thoughts.'

Confucius
There are three degrees of filial piety. The highest is being a credit to our parents, the second is not disgracing them; the lowest is being able simply to support them.

Confucius
When a man's father is alive, look at the bent of his will. When his father is dead, look at his conduct. If for three years [of mourning] he does not change from the way of his father, he may be called filial.

Confucius
The commander of three armies may be taken away but the will of even a common man may not be taken away from him.

Confucius
Chi Wen Tzu always thought three times before taking action. Twice would have been quite enough.

Confucius
The Three Armies can be deprived of their commanding officer, but even a common man cannot be deprived of his purpose.

Confucius
There are three things which the superior man guards against. In youth... lust. When he is strong... quarrelsomeness. When he is old... covetousness.

Confucius
One who will study for three years. Without thought of reward. Would be hard indeed to find.

Confucius
I daily examine myself on three points: In planning for others, have I failed in conscientiousness? In intercourse with friends, have I been insincere? And have I failed to practice what I have been taught?

Confucius