孔子名言精选14句英文 孔子名言精选14句英文翻译

孔子名言精选14句英文

Embracing Wisdom from the Ancient Sage: 14 Famous Sayings of Confucius in English

Confucius, an influential philosopher and teacher in ancient China, has left an indelible mark on the world with his profound wisdom. His teachings, known as Confucianism, continue to inspire and guide people across cultures and generations. Here, we present a collection of 14 of Confucius' most famous sayings, translated into English, to share his timeless wisdom with you.

1. "Do as you would be done by." — This maxim emphasizes the importance of treating others with the same respect and kindness you would expect for yourself.

2. "Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought with ardor and attended to with diligence." — Confucius believed in the power of learning and encouraged individuals to pursue knowledge passionately and diligently.

3. "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." — This phrase encourages perseverance and the importance of continuous progress, no matter how slow.

4. "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." — Confucius highlights the significance of starting with small actions, emphasizing the importance of action over inaction.

5. "To be virtuous is to be happy." — This saying emphasizes the connection between moral character and personal happiness.

6. "If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame. If they be led by virtue, and uniformity sought to be given them by the rules of propriety, they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good." — Confucius believed in the transformative power of virtue and propriety over laws and punishment.

7. "If the people be led by laws, and uniformity sought to be given them by punishments, they will try to avoid the punishment, but have no sense of shame." — This part of the previous quote further emphasizes the limitations of laws and punishments in fostering a sense of morality.

8. "What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others." — This is a universal principle of ethical behavior, often referred to as the Golden Rule.

9. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." — Confucius valued knowledge and the exploration of the world through reading and learning.

10. "To know what is right and not to do it is want of character." — This quote underscores the importance of taking action in accordance with one's moral understanding.

11. "A superior man is modest in his speech but exceeds in his actions." — Confucius advised individuals to be humble in their words and diligent in their actions.

12. "If the people maintain a joyful countenance, the ruler need not command; if they maintain a sorrowful countenance, the ruler need not instruct." — Confucius believed that the mood and attitudes of the people could influence the effectiveness of a ruler's governance.

13. "The wise are not confused in the midst of multitude." — This saying highlights the importance of clear thinking and decision-making in the face of complexity.

14. "The essence of a thing is to be found in its beginning." — Confucius encouraged a focus on the fundamentals and origins of things to understand their true nature.

These 14 sayings reflect the core principles and values of Confucianism, offering guidance and insight into personal development, leadership, and the pursuit of wisdom. By reflecting on these timeless teachings, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own lives and the world around us.