Confucius Quotes

Think a lot, say little, and write nothing.

Better the feet slip then the tongue.

Before you speak, listen. Before you write, think. Before you spend, earn. Before you invest, investigate. Before you criticize, wait. Before you pray, forgive. Before you quit, try. Before you retire, save. Before you die, give.

There's a real wisdom to not saying a thing.

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.

Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.

Tis better to sit there and look the fool, than to open your mouth and prove it.

Speak only if it improves upon the silence.

The wise hand does not all the tongue dictates.

You'll regret opening your mouth. You'll rarely regret keeping it shut.

Silence is the sanctuary of prudence.

Before you ask more questions, think about whether you really want to know the answers.

Listen widely to remove your doubts and be careful when speaking about the rest and your mistakes will be few.

Think before thou speakest.

Remember what Simonides said, that he never repented that he had held his tongue, but often that he had spoken.

I've learned people are watching, so don't do nothing stupid.

It ain't a bad plan to keep still occasionally even when you know what you're talking about.

Men are born with two eyes, but with one tongue, in order that they should see twice as much as they say.

Silence and reserve will give anyone a reputation for wisdom.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words.

Be careful how you spend your time: Spend your time in nothing which you know must be repented of.

I regret things all the time. I've never regretted not saying something. I've only regretted saying something.

You know, I have found out in the course of a long public life that the things I did not say never hurt me.

Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.