Confucius Quotes

A prince never lacks legitimate reasons to break his promise.

Put more trust in nobility of character than in an oath.

He that imposes an oath makes it, Not he that for conveniences takes it. Then how can any man be said To break an oath he never made.

On principle I dislike an oath which requires a man to swear he has not done wrong. It rejects the Christian principle of forgiveness on terms of repentance. I think it is enough if the man does no wrong hereafter.

He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.

If you tie a man's hands there is nothing moral about his not committing murder.

Sometimes you have to strike a deal with the Mafia. But remember, the Mafia is not Mother Theresa. We must always keep that in mind.

How useless oaths are has been shown by experience.

Oaths are but words, and words but wind.

Oaths are crutches, upon which lies go.

There is no debt more lawful than the word of a just man nor anything which binds our actions more than a promise.

We cannot legislate morality. No, and we cannot legislate loyalty, for loyalty is a kind of morality. We cannot produce these things by decrees or commissions or public inquisitions.

I swear not to act without instructions in matters of peace or truce, war, negotiations with other potentates about alliances or aid, lands or cities … the sending abroad of ambassadors.

In relations with other nations, there is neither right nor wrong; there is only strength and weakness.

I entirely appreciate loyalty to one"s friends, but loyalty to the cause of justice and honor stands above it.

Obedience is the crown and honour of all virtue.

Compulsion precedes morality, indeed morality itself is compulsion for a time, to which one submits for the avoidance of pain.

Whether I give to a beggar or not, his existence puts me in the wrong.

Only he who has measured the dominion of force, and knows how not to respect it, is capable of love andjustice.

Rash oaths, whether kept or broken, frequently produce guilt.

If the past is not to bind us, where can duty lie? We should have no law but the inclination of the moment.

Truth does not pay homage to any society, ancient or modern. Society has to pay homage to Truth or die.

Justice is the firm and continuous desire to render to everyone that which is his due.

Your character holds the key to your trustworthiness.

Lies and promises are necessary but not sufficient.