Life’s guideposts illuminated by sayings from the Analects: Confucius’s teachings that move the heart.
Timeless sayings from the Analects—such as “Know yourself” and “To learn and at due times to practice what one has learned”—continue to resonate with countless people more than two millennia later.
The teachings Confucius left behind serve as signposts that blow away our doubts when we stand at life’s crossroads.
Whether it’s work, relationships, or personal growth, they offer strikingly precise answers to the problems we face in the modern world.
Why not seek hints to enrich your life in the Analects’ maxims—simple yet filled with profound wisdom?
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A guide to life led by famous sayings from the Analects: Confucius’s moving teachings (1–10)
Know that you do not know; that is knowledge.Confucius
Here is a proverb, almost like a Zen riddle, that says: truly knowing means understanding for yourself what you don’t know.
Indeed, many ignorant people either have no idea how much they don’t understand, or only have a vague sense of it.
To clearly define that boundary is what it means to know.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could then think about how to fill in the parts we don’t yet understand?
Virtue is never solitary; it always has companions.Confucius
One might think that a virtuous person is lonely, but they are never truly alone.
This proverb means that, before you know it, understanding people and those who share your views will gather around you.
It’s a saying to remember when you feel lonely even though you believe you’re doing the right thing.
I hope you’ll quietly and steadily stay true to the path you believe in.
Conversely, if you find no supporters or resonant voices, it might be a cue to re-check whether you could be mistaken.
In any case, without blind faith but with objectivity, it’s important to keep doing what you believe to be virtuous.
Formidable are those of later generations.Confucius
Respect those who come after you.
It means that young people have limitless potential and should never be underestimated.
This proverb is truly beautiful, and it also makes me admire older people who never forget it.
It’s not only about the future of the young; even right now, they may well know things we don’t.
That’s why it would be a waste to abandon the possibility of learning from everyone, regardless of age or gender.
And if young people, for their part, maintain an attitude of wanting to learn what their elders know, the world will likely run more smoothly.
A life guide illuminated by famous sayings from the Analects. Confucius’s moving teachings (11–20)
Poor yet never obsequious; wealthy yet never arrogant.Zi Gong
A saying from the Analects by Confucius’s disciple Zigong: “In poverty, do not be obsequious; in wealth, do not be arrogant.” It means that even if you are poor, you should not be servile, and even if you have money, you should not be conceited—an admonition to never lose your inner core in any circumstance.
In response, Confucius adds that one cannot compare with a person who, though poor, takes joy in their way of life, and though wealthy, never neglects propriety.
Both sayings are memorable maxims that teach us the dignity essential to being human.
Fine words and an ingratiating appearance are rarely associated with true benevolence.
This passage from the Analects conveys that while it isn’t bad to be inventive with words or to read people’s expressions, if those things become the focus, one’s genuine human heart grows thin.
Indeed, there are times when something is expressed very skillfully yet somehow feels fake or lacks sincerity.
Conversely, even with few words, you can sometimes feel that someone is speaking only the truth.
Of course, taking either tendency to an extreme isn’t good.
Worrying about not understanding others.Confucius
The Analects phrase “to worry about not knowing others” follows from “do not worry that others do not know you.” It means: instead of fretting that others don’t recognize you, worry about whether you truly understand others.
Indeed, people often think, “I’m working so hard!” and feel anger at not receiving what they consider fair recognition.
But if asked whether they themselves understand other people, many might not be able to answer.
This famous saying teaches the importance of calmly looking around and understanding others before lamenting that you alone are not being acknowledged.
A gentleman must be broad-minded and resolute.Zengzi
One of Confucius’s disciples, Zengzi, wrote in the Analects: “A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute,” followed by, “The burden is heavy and the road is long.
To take benevolence as one’s own charge—is that not a heavy burden? To continue until death— is that not a long road?” It teaches that those who strive for mastery or who stand above others must possess a large capacity and strong will, and must walk that arduous path throughout their lives.
When you make a great resolve, you must at the same time have the courage and determination to take the first step.
This famous saying tells us what a fulfilling life is—and reminds us of how demanding it can be.