Quote of the Day: 5 Confucius Quotes that Provoke Self-Awareness and Growth

Quote of the Day by Confucius: Perhaps Confucius' most profound perspective was that the pursuit of wisdom is always an active one, and a journey everyone is capable of undertaking. He himself lived through a period of political upheaval in ancient China, but his first recourse was to restore harmony via a particular emphasis on personal responsibility, ethical leadership and respect for others. And for the same reasons, more than 2,500 years later, his teachings remain remarkably relevant.Confucius, known in Chinese as Kong Fuzi or Kongzi, was a philosopher and educator. He lived between 551 and 479 BCE during the Zhou dynasty. His ideas formed the foundation of Confucianism, which as a philosophical tradition stands centred on virtue and education

as its prime pillars. More than anything, Confucius is best remembered as a teacher, whose assertive views have survived centuries and generations.

Change is the Only Constant

"Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change."Anybody that doesn't accept change as the only constant in their lives, is essentially blocking their own evolution - and that is exactly what this Confucius quote highlights. As per Confucius, only the "wisest man" - a hyperbole in itself, doesn't need to change, making it so, that everyone must not only be open to change, but also actively choose it. Because as he said: "He who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions."

Keep It Simple

"The way out is through the door. Why is it that no one will use this method?"While bogged by life's peculiar problems, it can often feel that we are a victim of our circumstances. Now while that may be true in some cases, for most, the solution is way simpler and the only reason we don't acknowledge it, or actively avoid it, is because it is uncomfortable. Confucius had also said: "Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated," which is exactly what this quote also highlights.

Practice Makes Perfect

"I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand."Though this Confucius quote comes from the annals of history, we currently live in the age of information - so much so that our brains often feel fried from the amount of sensory stimulation they takes on. However, Confucius' words here ring as true as ever. Because knowing and remembering something means nothing till we put it into practice. After all, true understanding only comes from practicing what we believe we are preaching.Also Read: Quote of the Day: 5 Chanakya Quotes that Will Redefine Your World View

Superiority is a Mirage

"What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others."The one thing this Confucius quote highlights is that superiority is a state of pursuance. As per the philosopher, a 'small man' views the mirage of superiority as external to himself. A truly 'superior' man, will chase evidence of it within.

Don't Let Negativity Fester

"To be wronged is nothing, unless you continue to remember it."Being wronged by others is the reality of life. As per Confucius however, it is when we let others' actions define our own time and psyche is when we add meaning to it - which in turn, adds nothing much to our lives. The message here is to not let negativity birthed by others, fester in you. As he also said: "Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."