"The wise man never hastens, neither in his studies nor his words; he is sometimes, as it were, mute; but when it concerns him to act and practice virtue, he, as I may say, precipitates all."

Confucius, Analects

"Coarse rice for food, water to drink, and the bended arm for a pillow: happiness may be enjoyed even in these. Without virtue, riches and honor seem to me like a passing cloud."

Confucius, Analects

"A wise man enjoys the sight of water: moving, yielding, right at one’s feet. A good man enjoys the sight of mountains: motionless, uncompromising, with summits hard to reach. A wise man will be active; a good man, tranquil. A wise man is happy; a good man, long-lived."

Confucius, Analects

"I will not be afflicted at men’s not knowing me; I will be afflicted that I do not know men."

Confucius, Analects

"When man’s nature prevails over his culture, he’s a savage. If culture wholly subdues nature, the result is a pedant. But when nature and culture are fused with consummate elegance, then we have a wise man."

Confucius, Analects

"With coarse rice to eat, with water to drink, and with a bent arm for a pillow, there is still joy. Wealth and honor obtained through injustice are as remote from me as the clouds that float above."

Confucius - The Analects

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

Abraham Lincoln (via sunset-to-star-rise)

Quite a change from today’s politics, huh?

"Have no friends not equal to yourself."

Confucius, The Analects

"There is nothing more visible than what is secret, and nothing more manifest than what is minute. Therefore the virtuous man is watchful over himself, when he is alone."

Confucius, The Doctrine of the Mean

"Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned? Isn’t it also great when friends visit from distant places?"

Confucius, The Analects

"Give up your relentless moralizing, the continual pinpricks which pierce the skin of your fellows. The distinction between good and evil is the sickness of the mind. Give up your morals, and the people will regain a love of their fellows."

Lao Tse, In a discussion with Confucius about the true nature of humanity. (via lastchatwithphontaine)