The Analects of Confucius — All 300 Passages

學而時習之 不亦說乎

Analects 1.1 · xué ér shí xí zhī, bù yì yuè hū

Is it not a joy to learn and to practice what one has learned at the proper…

有朋自遠方來 不亦樂乎

Analects 1.1 · yǒu péng zì yuǎn fāng lái, bù yì lè hū

Is it not a delight when friends come from afar?

人不知而不慍 不亦君子乎

Analects 1.1 · rén bù zhī ér bù yùn, bù yì jūn zǐ hū

Is one not an exemplary person if one remains unresentful when others fail to…

君子務本 本立而道生 孝弟也者 其爲仁之本與

Analects 1.2 · jūn zǐ wù běn, běn lì ér dào shēng, xiào tì yě zhě, qí wéi rén zhī běn yú

The exemplary person works at the root; once the root is established, the Way…

巧言令色 鮮矣仁

Analects 1.3 · qiǎo yán lìng sè, xiǎn yǐ rén

Clever words and an ingratiating expression are rarely associated with…

吾日三省吾身

Analects 1.4 · wú rì sān xǐng wú shēn

Each day I examine myself on three counts.

道千乘之國 敬事而信 節用而愛人 使民以時

Analects 1.5 · dǎo qiān shèng zhī guó, jìng shì ér xìn, jié yòng ér ài rén, shǐ mín yǐ shí

To govern a state of a thousand chariots, attend to affairs with reverence and…

弟子入則孝 出則弟 謹而信 汎愛衆 而親仁

Analects 1.6 · dì zǐ rù zé xiào, chū zé tì, jǐn ér xìn, fàn ài zhòng, ér qīn rén

At home, be devoted to your parents; abroad, be respectful to your elders. Be…

賢賢易色 事父母能竭其力 事君能致其身 與朋友交言而有信

Analects 1.7 · xián xián yì sè, shì fù mǔ néng jié qí lì, shì jūn néng zhì qí shēn, yǔ péng yǒu jiāo yán ér yǒu xìn

Value the worthy above physical beauty; devote your full strength to serving…

君子不重則不威 學則不固

Analects 1.8 · jūn zǐ bù zhòng zé bù wēi, xué zé bù gù

If an exemplary person lacks gravity, there will be no dignity, and learning…

慎終追遠 民德歸厚矣

Analects 1.9 · shèn zhōng zhuī yuǎn, mín dé guī hòu yǐ

Attend carefully to funerals and remember distant ancestors, and the virtue of…

夫子溫良恭儉讓以得之

Analects 1.10 · fū zǐ wēn liáng gōng jiǎn ràng yǐ dé zhī

The Master obtains it by being gentle, kind, respectful, frugal, and…

父在觀其志 父沒觀其行 三年無改於父之道 可謂孝矣

Analects 1.11 · fù zài guān qí zhì, fù mò guān qí xíng, sān nián wú gǎi yú fù zhī dào, kě wèi xiào yǐ

While a father lives, observe the son’s intentions; after the father dies…

禮之用 和爲貴

Analects 1.12 · lǐ zhī yòng, hé wéi guì

In the practice of ritual propriety, harmony is the most precious thing.

信近於義 言可復也 恭近於禮 遠恥辱也

Analects 1.13 · xìn jìn yú yì, yán kě fù yě, gōng jìn yú lǐ, yuǎn chǐ rǔ yě

When promises accord with righteousness, one’s word can be kept; when…

君子食無求飽 居無求安

Analects 1.14 · jūn zǐ shí wú qiú bǎo, jū wú qiú ān

The exemplary person does not seek a full belly in eating or comfort in…

敏於事而愼於言

Analects 1.14 · mǐn yú shì ér shèn yú yán

Be diligent in action and cautious in speech.

如切如磋 如琢如磨

Analects 1.15 · rú qiē rú cuō, rú zhuó rú mó

Cultivate yourself as one cuts and files, as one carves and polishes.

貧而無諂 富而無驕

Analects 1.15 · pín ér wú chǎn, fù ér wú jiāo

Be poor without flattery and wealthy without arrogance.

不患人之不己知 患不知人也

Analects 1.16 · bù huàn rén zhī bù jǐ zhī, huàn bù zhī rén yě

Do not worry that others do not understand you; worry that you do not…

爲政以德 譬如北辰 居其所而衆星共之

Analects 2.1 · wéi zhèng yǐ dé, pì rú běi chén, jū qí suǒ ér zhòng xīng gǒng zhī

To govern through virtue is like the North Star: it remains in its place while…

詩三百 一言以蔽之 曰思無邪

Analects 2.2 · shī sān bǎi, yī yán yǐ bì zhī, yuē sī wú xié

The three hundred poems may be summed up in one phrase: “Let there be no…

道之以政 齊之以刑 民免而無恥 道之以德 齊之以禮 有恥且格

Analects 2.3 · dǎo zhī yǐ zhèng, qí zhī yǐ xíng, mín miǎn ér wú chǐ, dǎo zhī yǐ dé, qí zhī yǐ lǐ, yǒu chǐ qiě gé

Lead the people through regulations and keep order through punishments, and…

吾十有五而志于學

Analects 2.4 · wú shí yòu wǔ ér zhì yú xué

At fifteen, I set my heart upon learning.

三十而立 四十而不惑

Analects 2.4 · sān shí ér lì, sì shí ér bù huò

At thirty, I stood firmly; at forty, I was free from confusion.

五十而知天命 六十而耳順

Analects 2.4 · wǔ shí ér zhī tiān mìng, liù shí ér ěr shùn

At fifty, I understood Heaven’s mandate; at sixty, my ear was attuned.

七十而從心所欲 不踰矩

Analects 2.4 · qī shí ér cóng xīn suǒ yù, bù yú jǔ

At seventy, I could follow my heart’s desires without overstepping the bounds…

父母唯其疾之憂

Analects 2.6 · fù mǔ wéi qí jí zhī yōu

Let your parents have no worry but that of your falling ill.

今之孝者 是謂能養 至於犬馬 皆能有養 不敬 何以別乎

Analects 2.7 · jīn zhī xiào zhě, shì wèi néng yǎng, zhì yú quǎn mǎ, jiē néng yǒu yǎng, bù jìng, hé yǐ bié hū

Nowadays filial devotion is taken to mean simply providing for one’s parents…

吾與回言終日 不違如愚 退而省其私 亦足以發 回也不愚

Analects 2.9 · wú yǔ huí yán zhōng rì, bù wéi rú yú, tuì ér xǐng qí sī, yì zú yǐ fā, huí yě bù yú

I spoke with Hui all day, and he never challenged me, as though he were…

視其所以 觀其所由 察其所安 人焉廋哉

Analects 2.10 · shì qí suǒ yǐ, guān qí suǒ yóu, chá qí suǒ ān, rén yān sōu zāi

Look at what a person does, examine the motives behind it, and observe what…

溫故而知新 可以爲師矣

Analects 2.11 · wēn gù ér zhī xīn, kě yǐ wéi shī yǐ

By reviewing what is old and discovering what is new, one may become a teacher.

君子不器

Analects 2.12 · jūn zǐ bù qì

The exemplary person is not a mere vessel with only one use.

先行其言 而後從之

Analects 2.13 · xiān xíng qí yán, ér hòu cóng zhī

First act on what you would say; only then let your words follow your deeds.

君子周而不比 小人比而不周

Analects 2.14 · jūn zǐ zhōu ér bù bǐ, xiǎo rén bǐ ér bù zhōu

The exemplary person is inclusive without being partisan; the petty person is…

學而不思則罔 思而不學則殆

Analects 2.15 · xué ér bù sī zé wǎng, sī ér bù xué zé dài

Learning without reflection leads to confusion; reflection without learning…

攻乎異端 斯害也已

Analects 2.16 · gōng hū yì duān, sī hài yě yǐ

To devote oneself to heterodox teachings is harmful indeed.

知之爲知之 不知爲不知 是知也

Analects 2.17 · zhī zhī wéi zhī zhī, bù zhī wéi bù zhī, shì zhì yě

To acknowledge what you know as known, and what you do not know as unknown—that…

多聞闕疑 慎言其餘 則寡尤 多見闕殆 慎行其餘 則寡悔

Analects 2.18 · duō wén quē yí, shèn yán qí yú, zé guǎ yóu, duō jiàn quē dài, shèn xíng qí yú, zé guǎ huǐ

Hear much, set aside what is doubtful, and speak cautiously of the rest, and…

人而無信 不知其可也

Analects 2.22 · rén ér wú xìn, bù zhī qí kě yě

If a person is not trustworthy, I do not know what that person is good for.

見義不爲 無勇也

Analects 2.24 · jiàn yì bù wéi, wú yǒng yě

To see what is right and fail to do it is a lack of courage.

是可忍也 孰不可忍也

Analects 3.1 · shì kě rěn yě, shú bù kě rěn yě

If this can be tolerated, what cannot be tolerated?

人而不仁 如禮何 人而不仁 如樂何

Analects 3.3 · rén ér bù rén, rú lǐ hé, rén ér bù rén, rú yuè hé

If a person lacks humaneness, what can that person have to do with ritual…

禮 與其奢也 寧儉 喪 與其易也 寧戚

Analects 3.4 · lǐ, yǔ qí shē yě, nìng jiǎn, sāng, yǔ qí yì yě, nìng qī

In ritual, better frugal than lavish; in mourning, better heartfelt grief than…

君子無所爭 必也射乎 揖讓而升 下而飮 其爭也君子

Analects 3.7 · jūn zǐ wú suǒ zhēng, bì yě shè hū, yī ràng ér shēng, xià ér yǐn, qí zhēng yě jūn zǐ

The exemplary person has nothing to contend over; if anything, it is archery…

繪事後素

Analects 3.8 · huì shì hòu sù

The painting comes after the plain white ground.

祭如在 祭神如神在

Analects 3.12 · jì rú zài, jì shén rú shén zài

Sacrifice to the ancestors as if they were present; sacrifice to the spirits as…

獲罪於天 無所禱也

Analects 3.13 · huò zuì yú tiān, wú suǒ dǎo yě

One who has offended Heaven has nowhere left to pray.

君使臣以禮 臣事君以忠

Analects 3.19 · jūn shǐ chén yǐ lǐ, chén shì jūn yǐ zhōng

The ruler employs ministers according to ritual propriety; ministers serve the…

關雎 樂而不淫 哀而不傷

Analects 3.20 · guān jū, lè ér bù yín, āi ér bù shāng

“Guan Ju” is joyful without excess and sorrowful without causing harm.

成事不說 遂事不諫 既往不咎

Analects 3.21 · chéng shì bù shuō, suì shì bù jiàn, jì wǎng bù jiù

Do not discuss what is already done, remonstrate over what is already under…

盡美矣 又盡善也

Analects 3.25 · jìn měi yǐ, yòu jìn shàn yě

Perfectly beautiful, and perfectly good as well.

居上不寬 爲禮不敬 臨喪不哀 吾何以觀之哉

Analects 3.26 · jū shàng bù kuān, wéi lǐ bù jìng, lín sāng bù āi, wú hé yǐ guān zhī zāi

If one in authority is not generous, performs ritual propriety without…

里仁爲美 擇不處仁 焉得知

Analects 4.1 · lǐ rén wéi měi, zé bù chǔ rén, yān dé zhì

It is beautiful to dwell among the humane. If one does not choose a place where…

不仁者不可以久處約 不可以長處樂

Analects 4.2 · bù rén zhě bù kě yǐ jiǔ chǔ yuē, bù kě yǐ cháng chǔ lè

Those without humaneness cannot endure hardship for long, nor can they enjoy…

唯仁者能好人 能惡人

Analects 4.3 · wéi rén zhě néng hào rén, néng wù rén

Only the humane can truly love people and truly dislike people.

苟志於仁矣 無惡也

Analects 4.4 · gǒu zhì yú rén yǐ, wú è yě

If one sincerely sets one’s heart on humaneness, one will be free from evil.

富與貴 是人之所欲也 不以其道得之 不處也

Analects 4.5 · fù yǔ guì, shì rén zhī suǒ yù yě, bù yǐ qí dào dé zhī, bù chǔ yě

Wealth and rank are what people desire, but if they cannot be obtained in…

人之過也 各於其黨 觀過斯知仁矣

Analects 4.7 · rén zhī guò yě, gè yú qí dǎng, guān guò sī zhī rén yǐ

People’s faults vary with the kind of person they are. By observing a person’s…

朝聞道 夕死可矣

Analects 4.8 · zhāo wén dào, xī sǐ kě yǐ

If I hear the Way in the morning, I may die content that evening.

士志於道 而恥惡衣惡食者 未足與議也

Analects 4.9 · shì zhì yú dào, ér chǐ è yī è shí zhě, wèi zú yǔ yì yě

A scholar who aspires to the Way yet is ashamed of poor clothes and plain food…

君子之於天下也 無適也 無莫也 義之與比

Analects 4.10 · jūn zǐ zhī yú tiān xià yě, wú shì yě, wú mò yě, yì zhī yǔ bǐ

In dealing with the world, the exemplary person is neither rigidly for nor…

君子懷德 小人懷土

Analects 4.11 · jūn zǐ huái dé, xiǎo rén huái tǔ

The exemplary person cherishes virtue; the petty person cherishes comfort.

放於利而行 多怨

Analects 4.12 · fàng yú lì ér xíng, duō yuàn

If you act solely with profit in mind, you will incur much resentment.

不患無位 患所以立

Analects 4.14 · bù huàn wú wèi, huàn suǒ yǐ lì

Do not worry about lacking a position; worry about whether you are fit to hold…

夫子之道 忠恕而已矣

Analects 4.15 · fū zǐ zhī dào, zhōng shù ér yǐ yǐ

The Master’s Way is nothing but wholehearted sincerity and reciprocity.

君子喩於義 小人喩於利

Analects 4.16 · jūn zǐ yù yú yì, xiǎo rén yù yú lì

The exemplary person understands what is right; the petty person understands…

見賢思齊焉 見不賢而內自省也

Analects 4.17 · jiàn xián sī qí yān, jiàn bù xián ér nèi zì xǐng yě

When you see someone worthy, think of becoming their equal; when you see…

事父母幾諫 見志不從 又敬不違 勞而不怨

Analects 4.18 · shì fù mǔ jī jiàn, jiàn zhì bù cóng, yòu jìng bù wéi, láo ér bù yuàn

When serving your parents, remonstrate gently. If they do not follow your…

父母在 不遠遊 遊必有方

Analects 4.19 · fù mǔ zài, bù yuǎn yóu, yóu bì yǒu fāng

While your parents are alive, do not travel far; if you must travel, let them…

父母之年 不可不知也 一則以喜 一則以懼

Analects 4.21 · fù mǔ zhī nián, bù kě bù zhī yě, yī zé yǐ xǐ, yī zé yǐ jù

You must always know your parents’ age: it is at once a cause for joy and a…

古者言之不出 恥躬之不逮也

Analects 4.22 · gǔ zhě yán zhī bù chū, chǐ gōng zhī bù dài yě

The ancients were sparing with words, ashamed that their deeds might not keep…

以約失之者 鮮矣

Analects 4.23 · yǐ yuē shī zhī zhě, xiǎn yǐ

Those who err through self-restraint are rare indeed.

君子欲訥於言而敏於行

Analects 4.24 · jūn zǐ yù nè yú yán ér mǐn yú xíng

The exemplary person wishes to be slow in speech but quick in action.

德不孤 必有鄰

Analects 4.25 · dé bù gū, bì yǒu lín

Virtue is never solitary; it always has neighbors.

事君數 斯辱矣 朋友數 斯疏矣

Analects 4.26 · shì jūn shuò, sī rǔ yǐ, péng yǒu shuò, sī shū yǐ

Press a ruler too often and you invite disgrace; press a friend too often and…

回也聞一以知十 賜也聞一以知二

Analects 5.9 · huí yě wén yī yǐ zhī shí, cì yě wén yī yǐ zhī èr

Hui hears one thing and understands ten; I, Ci, hear one thing and understand…

聽其言而觀其行

Analects 5.10 · tīng qí yán ér guān qí xíng

Listen to a person’s words, and observe that person’s actions.

朽木不可雕也 糞土之牆不可杇也

Analects 5.10 · xiǔ mù bù kě diāo yě, fèn tǔ zhī qiáng bù kě wū yě

Rotten wood cannot be carved, and a wall of filthy earth cannot be plastered.

我不欲人之加諸我也 吾亦欲無加諸人

Analects 5.12 · wǒ bù yù rén zhī jiā zhū wǒ yě, wú yì yù wú jiā zhū rén

What I do not wish others to do to me, I too wish not to do to others.

子路有聞 未之能行 唯恐有聞

Analects 5.14 · zǐ lù yǒu wén, wèi zhī néng xíng, wéi kǒng yǒu wén

When Zilu had heard something and not yet been able to put it into practice…

敏而好學 不恥下問

Analects 5.15 · mǐn ér hào xué, bù chǐ xià wèn

Be quick-minded and eager to learn, and never be ashamed to ask those of lower…

晏平仲善與人交 久而敬之

Analects 5.17 · yàn píng zhòng shàn yǔ rén jiāo, jiǔ ér jìng zhī

Yan Pingzhong was skilled in friendship: however long he knew people, he…

三思而後行

Analects 5.20 · sān sī ér hòu xíng

Reflect three times before acting.

邦有道則知 邦無道則愚 其知可及也 其愚不可及也

Analects 5.21 · bāng yǒu dào zé zhì, bāng wú dào zé yú, qí zhì kě jí yě, qí yú bù kě jí yě

When the state followed the Way, he was wise; when it did not, he played the…

不念舊惡 怨是用希

Analects 5.23 · bù niàn jiù è, yuàn shì yòng xī

By not dwelling on old wrongs, one incurs little resentment.

老者安之 朋友信之 少者懷之

Analects 5.26 · lǎo zhě ān zhī, péng yǒu xìn zhī, shào zhě huái zhī

Let the old be at ease, let friends trust me, and let the young be cherished.

已矣乎 吾未見能見其過而內自訟者也

Analects 5.27 · yǐ yǐ hū, wú wèi jiàn néng jiàn qí guò ér nèi zì sòng zhě yě

It is hopeless! I have yet to see anyone who can recognize their own faults and…

十室之邑 必有忠信如丘者焉 不如丘之好學也

Analects 5.28 · shí shì zhī yì, bì yǒu zhōng xìn rú qiū zhě yān, bù rú qiū zhī hào xué yě

Even in a village of ten households there must be someone as loyal and…

不遷怒 不貳過

Analects 6.3 · bù qiān nù, bù èr guò

He did not vent his anger on others, and he never repeated a mistake.

君子周急不繼富

Analects 6.4 · jūn zǐ zhōu jí bù jì fù

The exemplary person helps those in urgent need, not those who are already rich.

一簞食 一瓢飮 在陋巷 人不堪其憂 回也不改其樂

Analects 6.11 · yī dān shí, yī piáo yǐn, zài lòu xiàng, rén bù kān qí yōu, huí yě bù gǎi qí lè

A bowl of rice, a ladle of water, and a home in a poor lane—others could not…

力不足者 中道而廢 今女畫

Analects 6.12 · lì bù zú zhě, zhōng dào ér fèi, jīn rǔ huà

Those whose strength is insufficient stop midway; you are now drawing the line…

女爲君子儒 無爲小人儒

Analects 6.13 · rǔ wéi jūn zǐ rú, wú wéi xiǎo rén rú

Be a scholar in the manner of the exemplary person, not a scholar in the manner…

孟之反不伐 奔而殿 將入門 策其馬曰 非敢後也 馬不進也

Analects 6.15 · mèng zhī fǎn bù fá, bēn ér diàn, jiāng rù mén, cè qí mǎ yuē, fēi gǎn hòu yě, mǎ bù jìn yě

Meng Zhifan did not boast. When the army fled he covered the rear, and as they…

質勝文則野 文勝質則史 文質彬彬 然後君子

Analects 6.18 · zhì shèng wén zé yě, wén shèng zhì zé shǐ, wén zhì bīn bīn, rán hòu jūn zǐ

When substance outweighs refinement, one is crude; when refinement outweighs…

人之生也直 罔之生也幸而免

Analects 6.19 · rén zhī shēng yě zhí, wǎng zhī shēng yě xìng ér miǎn

Human life rests on uprightness; those who live without it survive only by good…

知之者不如好之者 好之者不如樂之者

Analects 6.20 · zhī zhī zhě bù rú hào zhī zhě, hào zhī zhě bù rú lè zhī zhě

Those who know something are not equal to those who love it; those who love it…

務民之義 敬鬼神而遠之 可謂知矣

Analects 6.22 · wù mín zhī yì, jìng guǐ shén ér yuǎn zhī, kě wèi zhì yǐ

Devote yourself to what is right for the people, and respect the spirits while…

知者樂水 仁者樂山

Analects 6.23 · zhì zhě yào shuǐ, rén zhě yào shān

The wise delight in water; the humane delight in mountains.

君子博學於文 約之以禮 亦可以弗畔矣夫

Analects 6.27 · jūn zǐ bó xué yú wén, yuē zhī yǐ lǐ, yì kě yǐ fú pàn yǐ fú

The exemplary person who studies broadly in culture and holds it together with…

中庸之爲德也 其至矣乎

Analects 6.29 · zhōng yōng zhī wéi dé yě, qí zhì yǐ hū

The virtue of the balanced mean is indeed the highest!

己欲立而立人 己欲達而達人

Analects 6.30 · jǐ yù lì ér lì rén, jǐ yù dá ér dá rén

In seeking to establish yourself, help others establish themselves; in seeking…

述而不作 信而好古

Analects 7.1 · shù ér bù zuò, xìn ér hào gǔ

I transmit rather than invent; I trust in and cherish antiquity.

默而識之 學而不厭 誨人不倦

Analects 7.2 · mò ér zhì zhī, xué ér bù yàn, huì rén bù juàn

Quietly retain what you learn, study without weariness, and teach others…

德之不修 學之不講 聞義不能徙 不善不能改 是吾憂也

Analects 7.3 · dé zhī bù xiū, xué zhī bù jiǎng, wén yì bù néng xǐ, bù shàn bù néng gǎi, shì wú yōu yě

Failing to cultivate virtue, failing to deepen learning, being unable to move…

甚矣吾衰也 久矣吾不復夢見周公

Analects 7.5 · shèn yǐ wú shuāi yě, jiǔ yǐ wú bù fù mèng jiàn zhōu gōng

How I have declined! It has been so long since I dreamed of the Duke of Zhou.

志於道 據於德 依於仁 游於藝

Analects 7.6 · zhì yú dào, jù yú dé, yī yú rén, yóu yú yì

Set your purpose on the Way, ground yourself in virtue, rely on humaneness, and…

自行束脩以上 吾未嘗無誨焉

Analects 7.7 · zì xíng shù xiū yǐ shàng, wú wèi cháng wú huì yān

From anyone who has come of their own accord bringing even a bundle of dried…

不憤不啓 不悱不發

Analects 7.8 · bù fèn bù qǐ, bù fěi bù fā

I do not enlighten those who are not eager to understand, nor do I prompt those…

用之則行 舍之則藏

Analects 7.11 · yòng zhī zé xíng, shě zhī zé cáng

When employed, put your principles into practice; when set aside, preserve them…

富而可求也 雖執鞭之士 吾亦爲之 如不可求 從吾所好

Analects 7.12 · fù ér kě qiú yě, suī zhí biān zhī shì, wú yì wéi zhī, rú bù kě qiú, cóng wú suǒ hào

If wealth could be had by seeking it, I would take even the job of holding the…

求仁而得仁 又何怨

Analects 7.15 · qiú rén ér dé rén, yòu hé yuàn

They sought humaneness and attained it; what was there to resent?

不義而富且貴 於我如浮雲

Analects 7.16 · bù yì ér fù qiě guì, yú wǒ rú fú yún

Wealth and rank gained without righteousness are to me like drifting clouds.

飯疏食飮水 曲肱而枕之 樂亦在其中矣

Analects 7.16 · fàn shū shí yǐn shuǐ, qū gōng ér zhěn zhī, lè yì zài qí zhōng yǐ

Eating coarse grain, drinking water, and using a bent arm for a pillow—joy can…

發憤忘食 樂以忘憂 不知老之將至

Analects 7.19 · fā fèn wàng shí, lè yǐ wàng yōu, bù zhī lǎo zhī jiāng zhì

So intent am I that I forget to eat, so joyful that I forget my worries…

我非生而知之者 好古 敏以求之者也

Analects 7.20 · wǒ fēi shēng ér zhī zhī zhě, hào gǔ, mǐn yǐ qiú zhī zhě yě

I was not born with knowledge. I love the ancients and diligently seek it out.

子不語 怪力亂神

Analects 7.21 · zǐ bù yǔ, guài lì luàn shén

The Master did not speak of prodigies, feats of strength, disorder, or spirits.

三人行 必有我師焉

Analects 7.22 · sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī yān

When three people walk together, there is always someone among them who can be…

擇其善者而從之 其不善者而改之

Analects 7.22 · zé qí shàn zhě ér cóng zhī, qí bù shàn zhě ér gǎi zhī

Choose what is good in them and follow it; see what is not good and correct it…

子以四教 文行忠信

Analects 7.25 · zǐ yǐ sì jiào, wén xíng zhōng xìn

The Master taught four things: culture, conduct, loyalty, and trustworthiness.

仁遠乎哉 我欲仁 斯仁至矣

Analects 7.30 · rén yuǎn hū zāi, wǒ yù rén, sī rén zhì yǐ

Is humaneness far away? The moment I desire humaneness, it is here.

丘也幸 苟有過 人必知之

Analects 7.31 · qiū yě xìng, gǒu yǒu guò, rén bì zhī zhī

How fortunate I am! If I make a mistake, people are sure to let me know.

君子坦蕩蕩 小人長戚戚

Analects 7.37 · jūn zǐ tǎn dàng dàng, xiǎo rén cháng qī qī

The exemplary person is broad-minded and at ease; the petty person is forever…

子溫而厲 威而不猛 恭而安

Analects 7.38 · zǐ wēn ér lì, wēi ér bù měng, gōng ér ān

The Master was gentle yet stern, dignified yet not fierce, respectful yet at…

恭而無禮則勞 慎而無禮則葸 勇而無禮則亂 直而無禮則絞

Analects 8.2 · gōng ér wú lǐ zé láo, shèn ér wú lǐ zé xǐ, yǒng ér wú lǐ zé luàn, zhí ér wú lǐ zé jiǎo

Respectfulness without ritual propriety becomes wearisome; caution without it…

戰戰兢兢 如臨深淵 如履薄冰

Analects 8.3 · zhàn zhàn jīng jīng, rú lín shēn yuān, rú lǚ bó bīng

Tremble with caution, as if standing at the edge of a deep abyss, as if…

鳥之將死 其鳴也哀 人之將死 其言也善

Analects 8.4 · niǎo zhī jiāng sǐ, qí míng yě āi, rén zhī jiāng sǐ, qí yán yě shàn

When a bird is about to die, its cry is mournful; when a person is about to…

以能問於不能 以多問於寡 有若無 實若虛 犯而不校

Analects 8.5 · yǐ néng wèn yú bù néng, yǐ duō wèn yú guǎ, yǒu ruò wú, shí ruò xū, fàn ér bù jiào

Though capable, ask those who are less capable; though learned, ask those who…

可以託六尺之孤 可以寄百里之命 臨大節而不可奪也

Analects 8.6 · kě yǐ tuō liù chǐ zhī gū, kě yǐ jì bǎi lǐ zhī mìng, lín dà jié ér bù kě duó yě

One who can be entrusted with a young heir and the fate of a state, and whose…

任重而道遠

Analects 8.7 · rèn zhòng ér dào yuǎn

The burden is heavy, and the road is long.

士不可以不弘毅 任重而道遠

Analects 8.7 · shì bù kě yǐ bù hóng yì, rèn zhòng ér dào yuǎn

A scholar-official cannot be without breadth of spirit and firm resolve, for…

興於詩 立於禮 成於樂

Analects 8.8 · xīng yú shī, lì yú lǐ, chéng yú yuè

Be stirred by poetry, established through ritual propriety, and brought to…

民可使由之 不可使知之

Analects 8.9 · mín kě shǐ yóu zhī, bù kě shǐ zhī zhī

The people may be guided to follow a course, though they cannot all be made to…

好勇疾貧 亂也 人而不仁 疾之已甚 亂也

Analects 8.10 · hào yǒng jí pín, luàn yě, rén ér bù rén, jí zhī yǐ shèn, luàn yě

To love courage while hating poverty leads to disorder; to hate an inhumane…

如有周公之才之美 使驕且吝 其餘不足觀也已

Analects 8.11 · rú yǒu zhōu gōng zhī cái zhī měi, shǐ jiāo qiě lìn, qí yú bù zú guān yě yǐ

Even with talents as splendid as those of the Duke of Zhou, if a person is…

篤信好學 守死善道

Analects 8.13 · dǔ xìn hào xué, shǒu sǐ shàn dào

Hold firmly to faith, love learning, and defend the good Way even unto death.

天下有道則見 無道則隱

Analects 8.13 · tiān xià yǒu dào zé xiàn, wú dào zé yǐn

When the Way prevails in the world, appear in public life; when it does not…

不在其位 不謀其政

Analects 8.14 · bù zài qí wèi, bù móu qí zhèng

If you do not hold a position, do not plan the affairs of that office.

學如不及 猶恐失之

Analects 8.17 · xué rú bù jí, yóu kǒng shī zhī

Study as though you could never catch up, and as though you might lose what you…

子絕四 毋意 毋必 毋固 毋我

Analects 9.4 · zǐ jué sì, wú yì, wú bì, wú gù, wú wǒ

The Master rejected four things: speculation, insistence, inflexibility, and…

吾少也賤 故多能鄙事 君子多乎哉 不多也

Analects 9.6 · wú shào yě jiàn, gù duō néng bǐ shì, jūn zǐ duō hū zāi, bù duō yě

In my youth I was of humble station, so I became skilled at many menial things…

吾有知乎哉 無知也 有鄙夫問於我 空空如也 我叩其兩端而竭焉

Analects 9.8 · wú yǒu zhī hū zāi, wú zhī yě, yǒu bǐ fū wèn yú wǒ, kōng kōng rú yě, wǒ kòu qí liǎng duān ér jié yān

Do I possess knowledge? I possess none. When an ordinary person asks me a…

仰之彌高 鑽之彌堅 瞻之在前 忽焉在後

Analects 9.11 · yǎng zhī mí gāo, zuān zhī mí jiān, zhān zhī zài qián, hū yān zài hòu

The more I look up to it, the higher it rises; the more I bore into it, the…

夫子循循然善誘人 博我以文 約我以禮

Analects 9.11 · fū zǐ xún xún rán shàn yòu rén, bó wǒ yǐ wén, yuē wǒ yǐ lǐ

The Master guides people skillfully, step by step: he broadens me with culture…

沽之哉 沽之哉 我待賈者也

Analects 9.13 · gū zhī zāi, gū zhī zāi, wǒ dài jià zhě yě

Sell it! Sell it! I am one who waits for the right price.

君子居之 何陋之有

Analects 9.14 · jūn zǐ jū zhī, hé lòu zhī yǒu

If an exemplary person lived there, what crudeness could remain?

子在川上曰 逝者如斯夫 不舍晝夜

Analects 9.17 · zǐ zài chuān shàng yuē, shì zhě rú sī fú, bù shě zhòu yè

Standing by a river, the Master said, “What passes away is like this, flowing…

子曰 吾未見好德如好色者也

Analects 9.18 · zǐ yuē, wú wèi jiàn hào dé rú hào sè zhě yě

The Master said, “I have yet to meet anyone who loves virtue as much as…

譬如爲山 未成一簣 止 吾止也

Analects 9.19 · pì rú wéi shān, wèi chéng yī kuì, zhǐ, wú zhǐ yě

It is like building a mountain: if I stop with only one basket of earth…

惜乎 吾見其進也 未見其止也

Analects 9.21 · xī hū, wú jiàn qí jìn yě, wèi jiàn qí zhǐ yě

What a loss! I saw him advance; I never saw him stop.

苗而不秀者有矣夫 秀而不實者有矣夫

Analects 9.22 · miáo ér bù xiù zhě yǒu yǐ fú, xiù ér bù shí zhě yǒu yǐ fú

There are shoots that never flower, and flowers that never bear fruit.

後生可畏 焉知來者之不如今也

Analects 9.23 · hòu shēng kě wèi, yān zhī lái zhě zhī bù rú jīn yě

The younger generation deserves our respect; how can we know that those to come…

三軍可奪帥也 匹夫不可奪志也

Analects 9.26 · sān jūn kě duó shuài yě, pǐ fū bù kě duó zhì yě

The commander of a great army may be taken away, but the purpose of even an…

不忮不求 何用不臧

Analects 9.27 · bù zhì bù qiú, hé yòng bù zāng

Neither envious nor covetous, how could he be anything but good?

歲寒然後知松柏之後凋也

Analects 9.28 · suì hán rán hòu zhī sōng bǎi zhī hòu diāo yě

Only when the year turns cold do we know that the pine and cypress are the last…

知者不惑 仁者不憂 勇者不懼

Analects 9.29 · zhì zhě bù huò, rén zhě bù yōu, yǒng zhě bù jù

The wise are not confused, the humane are not burdened by worry, and the…

可與共學 未可與適道 可與適道 未可與立

Analects 9.30 · kě yǔ gòng xué, wèi kě yǔ shì dào, kě yǔ shì dào, wèi kě yǔ lì

Those with whom you can study may not be able to advance with you on the Way…

食不厭精 膾不厭細

Analects 10.8 · shí bù yàn jīng, kuài bù yàn xì

He did not object to rice that was finely polished, nor to meat that was finely…

食不語 寢不言

Analects 10.10 · shí bù yǔ, qǐn bù yán

Do not converse while eating, and do not speak while in bed.

席不正 不坐

Analects 10.12 · xí bù zhèng, bù zuò

If the mat was not straight, he would not sit.

廐焚 子退朝曰 傷人乎 不問馬

Analects 10.17 · jiù fén, zǐ tuì cháo yuē, shāng rén hū, bù wèn mǎ

The stable burned down. Returning from court, the Master asked, ‘Was anyone…

朋友死 無所歸 於我殯

Analects 10.22 · péng yǒu sǐ, wú suǒ guī, yú wǒ bìn

When a friend died with no one to take him in, he said, ‘Let the funeral be…

未知生 焉知死

Analects 11.12 · wèi zhī shēng, yān zhī sǐ

When you do not yet understand life, how can you understand death?

未能事人 焉能事鬼

Analects 11.12 · wèi néng shì rén, yān néng shì guǐ

When you are not yet able to serve people, how can you serve spirits?

夫人不言 言必有中

Analects 11.14 · fú rén bù yán, yán bì yǒu zhòng

That man says little, but when he speaks he is sure to hit the mark.

由也升堂矣 未入於室也

Analects 11.15 · yóu yě shēng táng yǐ, wèi rù yú shì yě

Zilu has climbed to the hall, but he has not yet entered the inner room.

過猶不及

Analects 11.16 · guò yóu bù jí

Going too far is no better than falling short.

回也其庶乎 屢空

Analects 11.19 · huí yě qí shù hū, lǚ kōng

Hui nearly attained the Way, yet he was frequently destitute.

子在 回何敢死

Analects 11.23 · zǐ zài, huí hé gǎn sǐ

While you, Master, are alive, how could I dare to die?

所謂大臣者 以道事君 不可則止

Analects 11.24 · suǒ wèi dà chén zhě, yǐ dào shì jūn, bù kě zé zhǐ

A great minister serves the ruler according to the Way, and when that is no…

暮春者 春服既成 冠者五六人 童子六七人 浴乎沂 風乎舞雩 詠而歸

Analects 11.26 · mù chūn zhě, chūn fú jì chéng, guàn zhě wǔ liù rén, tóng zǐ liù qī rén, yù hū yí, fēng hū wǔ yú, yǒng ér guī

In late spring, when the spring clothes are ready, I would go with five or six…

克己復禮爲仁 一日克己復禮 天下歸仁焉

Analects 12.1 · kè jǐ fù lǐ wéi rén, yī rì kè jǐ fù lǐ, tiān xià guī rén yān

Mastering oneself and returning to ritual propriety is humaneness. If for a…

非禮勿視 非禮勿聽 非禮勿言 非禮勿動

Analects 12.1 · fēi lǐ wù shì, fēi lǐ wù tīng, fēi lǐ wù yán, fēi lǐ wù dòng

Do not look at what violates ritual propriety; do not listen to it, speak it…

己所不欲 勿施於人

Analects 12.2 · jǐ suǒ bù yù, wù shī yú rén

Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.

仁者 其言也訒

Analects 12.3 · rén zhě, qí yán yě rèn

The humane person is hesitant in speech.

內省不疚 夫何憂何懼

Analects 12.4 · nèi xǐng bù jiù, fú hé yōu hé jù

If inward examination reveals nothing to be ashamed of, what is there to worry…

四海之內 皆兄弟也

Analects 12.5 · sì hǎi zhī nèi, jiē xiōng dì yě

Within the four seas, all people are brothers and sisters.

民無信不立

Analects 12.7 · mín wú xìn bù lì

Without the trust of the people, a state cannot stand.

駟不及舌

Analects 12.8 · sì bù jí shé

Even a team of four horses cannot overtake the tongue.

百姓足 君孰與不足 百姓不足 君孰與足

Analects 12.9 · bǎi xìng zú, jūn shú yǔ bù zú, bǎi xìng bù zú, jūn shú yǔ zú

If the people have enough, how could their ruler lack? If the people do not…

君君臣臣 父父子子

Analects 12.11 · jūn jūn, chén chén, fù fù, zǐ zǐ

Let the ruler be a ruler, the minister a minister, the father a father, and the…

聽訟吾猶人也 必也使無訟乎

Analects 12.13 · tīng sòng wú yóu rén yě, bì yě shǐ wú sòng hū

In hearing lawsuits, I am no different from anyone else. What is necessary is…

居之無倦 行之以忠

Analects 12.14 · jū zhī wú juàn, xíng zhī yǐ zhōng

In office, never grow weary; in action, be wholehearted.

君子成人之美 不成人之惡

Analects 12.16 · jūn zǐ chéng rén zhī měi, bù chéng rén zhī è

The exemplary person helps others bring their good qualities to fulfillment…

政者正也 子帥以正 孰敢不正

Analects 12.17 · zhèng zhě zhèng yě, zǐ shuài yǐ zhèng, shú gǎn bù zhèng

To govern is to set things right. If you lead by being upright, who would dare…

君子之德風 小人之德草 草上之風必偃

Analects 12.19 · jūn zǐ zhī dé fēng, xiǎo rén zhī dé cǎo, cǎo shàng zhī fēng bì yǎn

The virtue of the exemplary person is like wind; the character of ordinary…

質直而好義 察言而觀色 慮以下人

Analects 12.20 · zhì zhí ér hào yì, chá yán ér guān sè, lǜ yǐ xià rén

Upright by nature and devoted to what is right, attentive to others’ words and…

一朝之忿 忘其身以及其親 非惑與

Analects 12.21 · yī zhāo zhī fèn, wàng qí shēn yǐ jí qí qīn, fēi huò yú

In a single morning’s anger to forget oneself and bring harm even to one’s…

舉直錯諸枉 能使枉者直

Analects 12.22 · jǔ zhí cuò zhū wǎng, néng shǐ wǎng zhě zhí

Raise the upright above the crooked, and you can make the crooked upright.

忠告而善道之 不可則止 毋自辱焉

Analects 12.23 · zhōng gào ér shàn dǎo zhī, bù kě zé zhǐ, wú zì rǔ yān

Counsel a friend sincerely and guide them well; if they will not listen, stop…

以文會友 以友輔仁

Analects 12.24 · yǐ wén huì yǒu, yǐ yǒu fǔ rén

Gather friends through learning, and through friendship cultivate humaneness.

先之 勞之 無倦

Analects 13.1 · xiān zhī, láo zhī, wú juàn

Lead the way, take on the labor, and never grow weary.

名不正則言不順 言不順則事不成

Analects 13.3 · míng bù zhèng zé yán bù shùn, yán bù shùn zé shì bù chéng

If names are not correct, words do not accord with reality; if words do not…

其身正 不令而行 其身不正 雖令不從

Analects 13.6 · qí shēn zhèng, bù lìng ér xíng, qí shēn bù zhèng, suī lìng bù cóng

When a leader is upright, things proceed without commands; when a leader is not…

善人爲邦百年 亦可以勝殘去殺矣

Analects 13.11 · shàn rén wéi bāng bǎi nián, yì kě yǐ shèng cán qù shā yǐ

If good people governed a state for a hundred years, they could overcome…

苟正其身矣 於從政乎何有 不能正其身 如正人何

Analects 13.13 · gǒu zhèng qí shēn yǐ, yú cóng zhèng hū hé yǒu, bù néng zhèng qí shēn, rú zhèng rén hé

If you can set yourself right, what difficulty is there in governing? If you…

近者說 遠者來

Analects 13.16 · jìn zhě yuè, yuǎn zhě lái

Make those nearby happy, and those far away will come.

欲速則不達 見小利則大事不成

Analects 13.17 · yù sù zé bù dá, jiàn xiǎo lì zé dà shì bù chéng

If you seek haste, you will not arrive; if you focus on small gains, great…

父爲子隱 子爲父隱 直在其中矣

Analects 13.18 · fù wèi zǐ yǐn, zǐ wèi fù yǐn, zhí zài qí zhōng yǐ

The father shields the son and the son shields the father; uprightness lies in…

居處恭 執事敬 與人忠 雖之夷狄 不可棄也

Analects 13.19 · jū chǔ gōng, zhí shì jìng, yǔ rén zhōng, suī zhī yí dí, bù kě qì yě

Be respectful in private life, reverent in conducting affairs, and loyal in…

言必信 行必果

Analects 13.20 · yán bì xìn, xíng bì guǒ

Let your word be trustworthy and your action resolute.

不得中行而與之 必也狂狷乎 狂者進取 狷者有所不爲也

Analects 13.21 · bù dé zhōng xíng ér yǔ zhī, bì yě kuáng juàn hū, kuáng zhě jìn qǔ, juàn zhě yǒu suǒ bù wéi yě

If I cannot find people who keep to the middle way, I will take the ardent and…

人而無恒 不可以作巫醫

Analects 13.22 · rén ér wú héng, bù kě yǐ zuò wū yī

A person without constancy cannot even become a shaman or a healer.

君子和而不同 小人同而不和

Analects 13.23 · jūn zǐ hé ér bù tóng, xiǎo rén tóng ér bù hé

The exemplary person seeks harmony without conformity; the petty person seeks…

不如鄉人之善者好之 其不善者惡之

Analects 13.24 · bù rú xiāng rén zhī shàn zhě hào zhī, qí bù shàn zhě wù zhī

Better that the good people of the village like him and the bad people dislike…

君子泰而不驕 小人驕而不泰

Analects 13.26 · jūn zǐ tài ér bù jiāo, xiǎo rén jiāo ér bù tài

The exemplary person is composed but not arrogant; the petty person is arrogant…

剛毅木訥 近仁

Analects 13.27 · gāng yì mù nè, jìn rén

Firmness, resolve, simplicity, and restraint in speech are close to humaneness.

善人敎民七年 亦可以卽戎矣

Analects 13.29 · shàn rén jiào mín qī nián, yì kě yǐ jí róng yǐ

After a good person has taught the people for seven years, they may be prepared…

以不教民戰 是謂棄之

Analects 13.30 · yǐ bù jiào mín zhàn, shì wèi qì zhī

To send an untrained people into battle is to cast them away.

邦有道 危言危行 邦無道 危行言孫

Analects 14.3 · bāng yǒu dào, wēi yán wēi xíng, bāng wú dào, wēi xíng yán xùn

When the Way prevails in the state, be upright in speech and action; when it…

有德者必有言 有言者不必有德

Analects 14.4 · yǒu dé zhě bì yǒu yán, yǒu yán zhě bù bì yǒu dé

Those who possess virtue are sure to have worthwhile words, but those with…

仁者必有勇 勇者不必有仁

Analects 14.4 · rén zhě bì yǒu yǒng, yǒng zhě bù bì yǒu rén

The humane are sure to possess courage, but the courageous do not necessarily…

愛之能勿勞乎 忠焉能勿誨乎

Analects 14.7 · ài zhī néng wù láo hū, zhōng yān néng wù huì hū

If you love someone, can you avoid asking that person to exert effort? If you…

貧而無怨難 富而無驕易

Analects 14.10 · pín ér wú yuàn nán, fù ér wú jiāo yì

It is difficult to be poor without resentment, but easy to be wealthy without…

見利思義 見危授命 久要不忘平生之言

Analects 14.12 · jiàn lì sī yì, jiàn wēi shòu mìng, jiǔ yāo bù wàng píng shēng zhī yán

Seeing profit, think of what is right; seeing danger, be ready to give your…

其言之不怍 則爲之也難

Analects 14.20 · qí yán zhī bù zuò, zé wéi zhī yě nán

When words are spoken without any shame, carrying them out is hard.

君子上達 小人下達

Analects 14.23 · jūn zǐ shàng dá, xiǎo rén xià dá

The exemplary person reaches upward; the petty person reaches downward.

古之學者爲己 今之學者爲人

Analects 14.24 · gǔ zhī xué zhě wèi jǐ, jīn zhī xué zhě wèi rén

People of old learned for their own cultivation; people today learn to impress…

君子思不出其位

Analects 14.26 · jūn zǐ sī bù chū qí wèi

The exemplary person’s thoughts do not stray beyond their station.

君子恥其言而過其行

Analects 14.27 · jūn zǐ chǐ qí yán ér guò qí xíng

The exemplary person is ashamed when words exceed deeds.

不逆詐 不億不信 抑亦先覺者 是賢乎

Analects 14.31 · bù nì zhà, bù yì bù xìn, yì yì xiān jué zhě, shì xián hū

Without anticipating deceit or presuming bad faith, yet still perceiving them…

驥不稱其力 稱其德也

Analects 14.33 · jì bù chēng qí lì, chēng qí dé yě

A fine horse is praised not for its strength, but for its character.

以直報怨 以德報德

Analects 14.34 · yǐ zhí bào yuàn, yǐ dé bào dé

Repay resentment with uprightness, and repay virtue with virtue.

不怨天 不尤人

Analects 14.35 · bù yuàn tiān, bù yóu rén

Do not resent Heaven, and do not blame other people.

是知其不可而爲之者與

Analects 14.38 · shì zhī qí bù kě ér wéi zhī zhě yú

Is that the one who knows it cannot be done and yet keeps doing it?

修己以敬 修己以安人 修己以安百姓

Analects 14.42 · xiū jǐ yǐ jìng, xiū jǐ yǐ ān rén, xiū jǐ yǐ ān bǎi xìng

Cultivate yourself with reverence; cultivate yourself to bring peace to others…

君子固窮 小人窮斯濫矣

Analects 15.2 · jūn zǐ gù qióng, xiǎo rén qióng sī làn yǐ

The exemplary person holds firm in hardship; the petty person, in hardship…

言忠信 行篤敬 雖蠻貊之邦行矣

Analects 15.6 · yán zhōng xìn, xíng dǔ jìng, suī mán mò zhī bāng xíng yǐ

If your words are loyal and trustworthy and your conduct sincere and…

可與言而不與之言 失人 不可與言而與之言 失言

Analects 15.8 · kě yǔ yán ér bù yǔ zhī yán, shī rén, bù kě yǔ yán ér yǔ zhī yán, shī yán

Failing to speak with someone worth speaking with is to lose the person…

知者不失人 亦不失言

Analects 15.8 · zhì zhě bù shī rén, yì bù shī yán

The wise neither lose people nor waste words.

子曰 志士仁人 無求生以害仁 有殺身以成仁

Analects 15.9 · zǐ yuē, zhì shì rén rén, wú qiú shēng yǐ hài rén, yǒu shā shēn yǐ chéng rén

The Master said, “People of resolve and humaneness do not seek life at the cost…

工欲善其事 必先利其器

Analects 15.10 · gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì

A craftsperson who wishes to do good work must first sharpen the tools.

人無遠慮 必有近憂

Analects 15.12 · rén wú yuǎn lǜ, bì yǒu jìn yōu

A person who gives no thought to the future is certain to face worries close at…

躬自厚而薄責於人 則遠怨矣

Analects 15.15 · gōng zì hòu ér bó zé yú rén, zé yuǎn yuàn yǐ

Demand much of yourself and little of others, and you will keep resentment at a…

不曰如之何 如之何者 吾末如之何也已矣

Analects 15.16 · bù yuē rú zhī hé, rú zhī hé zhě, wú mò rú zhī hé yě yǐ yǐ

For one who never asks, ‘What should I do? What should I do?’, there is nothing…

君子義以爲質 禮以行之 孫以出之 信以成之

Analects 15.18 · jūn zǐ yì yǐ wéi zhì, lǐ yǐ xíng zhī, xùn yǐ chū zhī, xìn yǐ chéng zhī

The exemplary person makes rightness the substance, carries it out with ritual…

君子求諸己 小人求諸人

Analects 15.21 · jūn zǐ qiú zhū jǐ, xiǎo rén qiú zhū rén

The exemplary person looks within; the petty person looks to others.

君子矜而不爭 群而不黨

Analects 15.22 · jūn zǐ jīn ér bù zhēng, qún ér bù dǎng

The exemplary person is dignified but not contentious, sociable but not…

君子不以言舉人 不以人廢言

Analects 15.23 · jūn zǐ bù yǐ yán jǔ rén, bù yǐ rén fèi yán

The exemplary person does not promote someone for words alone, nor dismiss good…

小不忍則亂大謀

Analects 15.27 · xiǎo bù rěn zé luàn dà móu

Impatience in small matters can disrupt a great plan.

衆惡之 必察焉 衆好之 必察焉

Analects 15.28 · zhòng wù zhī, bì chá yān, zhòng hào zhī, bì chá yān

When everyone dislikes someone, be sure to examine the case; when everyone…

人能弘道 非道弘人

Analects 15.29 · rén néng hóng dào, fēi dào hóng rén

People can broaden the Way; the Way does not broaden people.

有過而不改 是謂過矣

Analects 15.30 · yǒu guò ér bù gǎi, shì wèi guò yǐ

To make a mistake and not correct it—this is truly a mistake.

吾嘗終日不食 終夜不寢 以思 無益 不如學也

Analects 15.31 · wú cháng zhōng rì bù shí, zhōng yè bù qǐn, yǐ sī, wú yì, bù rú xué yě

I once spent an entire day without eating and an entire night without sleeping…

君子謀道不謀食 君子憂道不憂貧

Analects 15.32 · jūn zǐ móu dào bù móu shí, jūn zǐ yōu dào bù yōu pín

The exemplary person plans for the Way, not for food; worries about the Way…

知及之 仁不能守之 雖得之 必失之

Analects 15.33 · zhì jí zhī, rén bù néng shǒu zhī, suī dé zhī, bì shī zhī

Even if wisdom enables you to attain something, if humaneness cannot preserve…

君子不可小知 而可大受也 小人不可大受 而可小知也

Analects 15.34 · jūn zǐ bù kě xiǎo zhī, ér kě dà shòu yě, xiǎo rén bù kě dà shòu, ér kě xiǎo zhī yě

The exemplary person cannot be judged by small matters but can be entrusted…

當仁不讓於師

Analects 15.36 · dāng rén bù ràng yú shī

When humaneness is at stake, do not defer even to your teacher.

君子貞而不諒

Analects 15.37 · jūn zǐ zhēn ér bù liàng

The exemplary person is steadfast in what is right, but not bound by petty…

有教無類

Analects 15.39 · yǒu jiào wú lèi

In education, there should be no distinctions of class.

道不同 不相爲謀

Analects 15.40 · dào bù tóng, bù xiāng wéi móu

Those who follow different Ways cannot make plans together.

辭達而已矣

Analects 15.41 · cí dá ér yǐ yǐ

Words need only communicate their meaning.

既來之 則安之

Analects 16.1 · jì lái zhī, zé ān zhī

Once people have come, help them settle in peace.

益者三友 損者三友

Analects 16.4 · yì zhě sān yǒu, sǔn zhě sān yǒu

There are three kinds of beneficial friends and three kinds of harmful friends.

友直友諒友多聞 益矣

Analects 16.4 · yǒu zhí, yǒu liàng, yǒu duō wén, yì yǐ

Friendship with the upright, the trustworthy, and the widely learned is…

益者三樂 損者三樂 樂節禮樂 樂道人之善 樂多賢友 益矣

Analects 16.5 · yì zhě sān yào, sǔn zhě sān yào, yào jié lǐ yuè, yào dào rén zhī shàn, yào duō xián yǒu, yì yǐ

There are three joys that benefit and three that harm. To delight in the…

言未及之而言 謂之躁 言及之而不言 謂之隱 未見顔色而言 謂之瞽

Analects 16.6 · yán wèi jí zhī ér yán, wèi zhī zào, yán jí zhī ér bù yán, wèi zhī yǐn, wèi jiàn yán sè ér yán, wèi zhī gǔ

To speak before it is one’s turn is called impatience; to keep silent when one…

君子有三戒 少之時戒之在色 及其壯也戒之在鬪 及其老也戒之在得

Analects 16.7 · jūn zǐ yǒu sān jiè, shào zhī shí jiè zhī zài sè, jí qí zhuàng yě jiè zhī zài dòu, jí qí lǎo yě jiè zhī zài dé

The exemplary person has three cautions: in youth, guard against sensual…

君子有三畏 畏天命 畏大人 畏聖人之言

Analects 16.8 · jūn zǐ yǒu sān wèi, wèi tiān mìng, wèi dà rén, wèi shèng rén zhī yán

The exemplary person stands in awe of three things: Heaven’s mandate, people of…

生而知之者上也 學而知之者次也 困而學之又其次也

Analects 16.9 · shēng ér zhī zhī zhě shàng yě, xué ér zhī zhī zhě cì yě, kùn ér xué zhī yòu qí cì yě

Those born with knowledge are highest; those who gain knowledge through…

困而不學 民斯爲下矣

Analects 16.9 · kùn ér bù xué, mín sī wéi xià yǐ

Those who face hardship yet refuse to learn are the lowest of the people.

君子有九思 視思明 聽思聰 色思溫 貌思恭 言思忠 事思敬 疑思問 忿思難 見得思義

Analects 16.10 · jūn zǐ yǒu jiǔ sī, shì sī míng, tīng sī cōng, sè sī wēn, mào sī gōng, yán sī zhōng, shì sī jìng, yí sī wèn, fèn sī nán, jiàn dé sī yì

The exemplary person has nine things to keep in mind: to see clearly, to hear…

不學詩 無以言 不學禮 無以立

Analects 16.13 · bù xué shī, wú yǐ yán, bù xué lǐ, wú yǐ lì

Without studying the Songs, you cannot speak; without studying ritual, you…

性相近也 習相遠也

Analects 17.2 · xìng xiāng jìn yě, xí xiāng yuǎn yě

By nature, people are close to one another; through habit, they grow far apart.

唯上知與下愚不移

Analects 17.3 · wéi shàng zhì yǔ xià yú bù yí

Only the wisest and the most foolish never change.

割鷄焉用牛刀

Analects 17.4 · gē jī yān yòng niú dāo

Why use an ox cleaver to kill a chicken?

恭寬信敏惠 能行五者於天下 爲仁矣

Analects 17.6 · gōng kuān xìn mǐn huì, néng xíng wǔ zhě yú tiān xià, wéi rén yǐ

Respectfulness, generosity, trustworthiness, diligence, and kindness: practice…

不曰堅乎 磨而不磷 不曰白乎 涅而不緇

Analects 17.7 · bù yuē jiān hū, mó ér bù lín, bù yuē bái hū, niè ér bù zī

Is it not said to be hard, what grinding cannot wear thin? Is it not said to be…

好仁不好學 其蔽也愚 好知不好學 其蔽也蕩

Analects 17.8 · hào rén bù hào xué, qí bì yě yú, hào zhì bù hào xué, qí bì yě dàng

To love humaneness without loving learning leads to foolishness; to love wisdom…

詩可以興 可以觀 可以群 可以怨

Analects 17.9 · shī kě yǐ xīng, kě yǐ guān, kě yǐ qún, kě yǐ yuàn

The Songs can stir the spirit, sharpen observation, bring people together, and…

禮云禮云 玉帛云乎哉 樂云樂云 鐘鼓云乎哉

Analects 17.11 · lǐ yún lǐ yún, yù bó yún hū zāi, yuè yún yuè yún, zhōng gǔ yún hū zāi

Ritual, ritual! Does it mean nothing but jade and silk? Music, music! Does it…

鄉原 德之賊也

Analects 17.13 · xiāng yuán, dé zhī zéi yě

The self-righteous village conformist is a thief of virtue.

道聽而途說 德之棄也

Analects 17.14 · dào tīng ér tú shuō, dé zhī qì yě

To hear something on the road and repeat it along the way is to abandon virtue.

鄙夫可與事君也與哉 其未得之也患得之 既得之患失之 苟患失之 無所不至矣

Analects 17.15 · bǐ fū kě yǔ shì jūn yě yú zāi, qí wèi dé zhī yě huàn dé zhī, jì dé zhī huàn shī zhī, gǒu huàn shī zhī, wú suǒ bù zhì yǐ

Can a base person be trusted to serve a ruler? Before gaining office, such a…

天何言哉 四時行焉 百物生焉 天何言哉

Analects 17.19 · tiān hé yán zāi, sì shí xíng yān, bǎi wù shēng yān, tiān hé yán zāi

What does Heaven ever say? The four seasons proceed and the myriad things come…

飽食終日 無所用心 難矣哉

Analects 17.22 · bǎo shí zhōng rì, wú suǒ yòng xīn, nán yǐ zāi

To eat one’s fill all day without applying the mind to anything—what a…

君子義以爲上 君子有勇而無義爲亂 小人有勇而無義爲盜

Analects 17.23 · jūn zǐ yì yǐ wéi shàng, jūn zǐ yǒu yǒng ér wú yì wéi luàn, xiǎo rén yǒu yǒng ér wú yì wéi dào

The exemplary person holds rightness highest. An exemplary person with courage…

直道而事人 焉往而不三黜

Analects 18.2 · zhí dào ér shì rén, yān wǎng ér bù sān chù

If you serve others by the upright Way, where can you go without being…

往者不可諫 來者猶可追

Analects 18.5 · wǎng zhě bù kě jiàn, lái zhě yóu kě zhuī

What is past can no longer be corrected, but what is to come may still be…

鳥獸不可與同群 吾非斯人之徒與而誰與

Analects 18.6 · niǎo shòu bù kě yǔ tóng qún, wú fēi sī rén zhī tú yú ér shuí yǔ

One cannot flock with the birds and beasts. If I do not keep company with these…

四體不勤 五穀不分

Analects 18.7 · sì tǐ bù qín, wǔ gǔ bù fēn

He does not labor with his four limbs and cannot distinguish the five grains.

我則異於是 無可無不可

Analects 18.8 · wǒ zé yì yú shì, wú kě wú bù kě

I am different from these: for me there is nothing that must be done and…

執德不弘 信道不篤 焉能爲有 焉能爲亡

Analects 19.2 · zhí dé bù hóng, xìn dào bù dǔ, yān néng wéi yǒu, yān néng wéi wú

To hold to virtue without breadth and to believe in the Way without conviction…

君子尊賢而容衆 嘉善而矜不能

Analects 19.3 · jūn zǐ zūn xián ér róng zhòng, jiā shàn ér jīn bù néng

The exemplary person honors the worthy and accepts the many, commends the able…

日知其所亡 月無忘其所能 可謂好學也已矣

Analects 19.5 · rì zhī qí suǒ wú, yuè wú wàng qí suǒ néng, kě wèi hào xué yě yǐ yǐ

Learn each day what you did not know, and each month do not forget what you…

博學而篤志 切問而近思 仁在其中矣

Analects 19.6 · bó xué ér dǔ zhì, qiè wèn ér jìn sī, rén zài qí zhōng yǐ

Learn broadly and hold firmly to your purpose; inquire earnestly and reflect on…

百工居肆以成其事 君子學以致其道

Analects 19.7 · bǎi gōng jū sì yǐ chéng qí shì, jūn zǐ xué yǐ zhì qí dào

Artisans remain in their workshops to perfect their craft; the exemplary person…

小人之過也必文

Analects 19.8 · xiǎo rén zhī guò yě bì wén

When petty people make mistakes, they are certain to disguise them.

君子有三變 望之儼然 卽之也溫 聽其言也厲

Analects 19.9 · jūn zǐ yǒu sān biàn, wàng zhī yǎn rán, jí zhī yě wēn, tīng qí yán yě lì

The exemplary person appears in three ways: seen from afar, solemn; approached…

君子信而後勞其民 未信則以爲厲己也 信而後諫 未信則以爲謗己也

Analects 19.10 · jūn zǐ xìn ér hòu láo qí mín, wèi xìn zé yǐ wéi lì jǐ yě, xìn ér hòu jiàn, wèi xìn zé yǐ wéi bàng jǐ yě

The exemplary person wins trust before asking the people to labor; without…

大德不踰閑 小德出入可也

Analects 19.11 · dà dé bù yú xián, xiǎo dé chū rù kě yě

In matters of great virtue, one must not cross the boundary; in lesser matters…

仕而優則學 學而優則仕

Analects 19.13 · shì ér yōu zé xué, xué ér yōu zé shì

When public service leaves spare capacity, study; when study leaves spare…

君子之過也 如日月之食焉

Analects 19.21 · jūn zǐ zhī guò yě, rú rì yuè zhī shí yān

The faults of an exemplary person are like eclipses of the sun and moon…

文武之道 未墜於地 在人

Analects 19.22 · wén wǔ zhī dào, wèi zhuì yú dì, zài rén

The Way of Kings Wen and Wu has not fallen to the ground; it lives on in people.

君子一言以爲知 一言以爲不知 言不可不愼也

Analects 19.25 · jūn zǐ yī yán yǐ wéi zhì, yī yán yǐ wéi bù zhì, yán bù kě bù shèn yě

By a single statement an exemplary person may appear wise, and by a single…

允執其中 四海困窮 天祿永終

Analects 20.1 · yǔn zhí qí zhōng, sì hǎi kùn qióng, tiān lù yǒng zhōng

Sincerely hold to the middle. If all within the four seas fall into want…

君子惠而不費 勞而不怨 欲而不貪 泰而不驕 威而不猛

Analects 20.2 · jūn zǐ huì ér bù fèi, láo ér bù yuàn, yù ér bù tān, tài ér bù jiāo, wēi ér bù měng

The exemplary person is generous without waste, demanding without provoking…

不教而殺謂之虐 不戒視成謂之暴 慢令致期謂之賊

Analects 20.2 · bù jiào ér shā wèi zhī nüè, bù jiè shì chéng wèi zhī bào, màn lìng zhì qī wèi zhī zéi

To execute without first teaching is called cruelty; to demand results without…

不知命 無以爲君子也 不知禮 無以立也 不知言 無以知人也

Analects 20.3 · bù zhī mìng, wú yǐ wéi jūn zǐ yě, bù zhī lǐ, wú yǐ lì yě, bù zhī yán, wú yǐ zhī rén yě

Without understanding destiny, one cannot become an exemplary person; without…