The wise Confucius

Even Google gives importance to the person of Confucius:(Chinese: 孔子; pinyin: Kǒng zǐ; Wade-Giles: K'ung-tzu, or Chinese: 孔夫子; pinyin: Kǒng Fūzǐ; Wade-Giles: K'ung-fu-tzu), lit. "Master Kong,"(traditionally September 28, 551 B.C.E. – 479 B.C.E.) was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher, whose teachings and philosophy have deeply influenced Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese thought and life.

His philosophy emphasized personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice and sincerity. These values gained prominence in China over other doctrines, such as Legalism (法家) or Taoism (道家) during the Han Dynasty(206 B.C.E. – 220 C.E.). Confucius' thoughts have been developed into a system of philosophy known as Confucianism (儒家). It was introduced to Europe by the Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, who was the first to Latinise the name as "Confucius."

His teachings may be found in the Analects of Confucius (論語), a collection of "brief aphoristic fragments", which was compiled many years after his death. Modern historians do not believe that any specific documents can be said to have been written by Confucius,[citation needed] but for nearly 2,000 years he was thought to be the editor or author of all the Five Classics (五經)such as the Classic of Rites (禮記) (editor), and the Spring and Autumn Annals (春秋).

Here are some of his wise quotes:

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.

Chose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

In a country well governed poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed wealth is something to be ashamed of.

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated.

To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.

We take greater pains to persuade others we are happy than in trying to think so ourselves.

Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished.

What is your favorite quote?