Confucius Quotes

Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent.

Virtue is the first title of nobility.

There is hardly that person to be found who is not more concerned for the reputation of wit and sense, than honesty and virtue.

Good moral character is the first essential in a man.

It is the property of a great and good mind to covet, not the fruit of good deeds, but good deeds themselves, and to seek for a good man even after having met with bad men.

Nothing of character is really permanent but virtue and personal worth.

Rather a man with 50 per cent ability and 100 per cent character than a man with 100 per cent ability and 50 per cent character.

No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.

There has never been a man mean and at the same time virtuous.

A good man will certainly also possess courage; but a brave man is not necessarily good.

Integrity is the light that shines from a disciplined conscience.

There is no real excellence in all of this world which can be separated from right living.

Who sows virtue reaps honor.

The just man walks in his integrity

I believe in doing the right things; that is my character and personality.

The only word for goodness is goodness, and it is not enough.

Excellence or virtue in a man will be the disposition which renders him a good man and also which will cause him to perform his function well.

Character is in turn the enduring source of virtue. It stands by itself and excites admiration in others. It is not obedience to authority, and while it is often consistent with and reinforced by religious belief, it is not piety.

If virtue goes to sleep, it will be more vigorous when it awakes.

I have seen men incapable of the sciences, but never any incapable of virtue.

A man may be very sincere in good principles, without having good practice.

Virtue and decency are so nearly related that it is difficult to separate them from each other but in our imagination.

Be virtuous and you will be eccentric.

The happiness of man, as well as his dignity, consists in virtue.

Purpose without virtue is vanity.