Confucius was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher.
Confucius’ philosophy focused on issues of morality, both from a personal as well as a governmental perspective. Confucius taught concerning the correctness of social relationships, justice and equality. His teachings became very prominent in China.
Below are 9 Powerful Life Lessons based on the philosophy of Confucius.
9 Powerful Life Lessons from Confucius:
1. Just Keep Going
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
If you keep going down the right path, you will eventually get to your intended destination. The hard work is being consistent; anybody can do right for a day. The person who succeeds is the person who stays committed despite the circumstances.
2. Your Friends Matter
“Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.”
Your friends are a prophecy of your future; where they are is where you’re headed. It would serve you well to find friends who are going where you want to go.
3. Good Things Come With a Price
“It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get.”
This explains a lot! It’s easy to hate, it’s easy to be negative, it’s easy to make excuses. It is love, forgiveness, and greatness that require a great heart, a great mind, and a great effort.
4. Sharpen Your Tools First
“The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.”
Confucius said, “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.” Whatever you are called to do, if you are to succeed, you must first be prepared.
5. To be Wronged is Nothing
“To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”
Don’t sweat the small stuff; to be wronged is no great offense. Don’t let the wrongdoing of others ruin your day. Don’t let they’re negativity occupy your thoughts. To be wronged is nothing!
6. Consider the Consequences
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
Solomon said, “He that is slow to anger is greater than the mighty.” Always remember to keep your temper in check and to consider the consequences.
7. Make Adjustments
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
If its looking like you’re not going to make your goals this year, now would be a good time to adjust your plan. Don’t accept failure as an option, adjust your sails, and you will sail safely to your goal.
8. You Can Learn From Everyone
“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”
You can and should learn from everyone, be it a crook or a saint. Every life is a story filled with lessons ripe for the picking.
9. All or None
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
Whatever you do, do it with everything, or don’t do it at all. To succeed in life requires your very best, give your very best, and you will live without regrets.
