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Quotes of the Day for 28 September 2004 - Confucius

K'ung Ch'iu (many alternate spellings available) was born in the village of Zou in the country of Lu on this day in 551 BC. Of course, this was recorded according to the lunar calendar, so I'd never know when it came up if Taiwan hadn't set it on the Gregorian calender for today, and we recognize him by the Anglicized version of his adult name, Confucius. His father was a powerful man but died when Confucius was three. He was well educated, but poverty plagued the family. He took up teaching in 527 BC, reacting to the corruption and vice endemic in the Chou dynasty, teaching the traditional values with great clarity. His disciples spread his words, and recorded thousands of them.

He does not preach what he practices till he has practiced what he preaches.

I do not want a friend who smiles when I smile, who weeps when I weep, for my shadow in the pool can do better than that.

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.

The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.

To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue; these five are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness.

What is the sound of one hand clapping?
     - All from Confucius, 551 - 479 BC

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