Confucius

Quotes are word for word from the source.

• Focus on competence

  “I will not be concerned at men's not knowing me; I will be concerned at my own want of ability.”

  Our noteConfucius advises focusing on self-improvement rather than seeking fame.

• Justice and kindness

  “Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.”

  Our noteConfucius explains how to handle mistreatment and favors fairly.

• Trust and scale

  “The superior man cannot be known in little matters; but he may be intrusted with great concerns.”

  Our noteConfucius explains how to distinguish between high-level leaders and those suited for minor tasks.

• Trust before tasks

  “The superior man, having obtained their confidence, may then impose labours on his people. If he have not gained their confidence, they will think that he is oppressing them.”

  Our noteThe importance of building trust before demanding hard work from a team.

• Principles of leadership

  “To guide a land of a thousand chariots, honour business and be true; spend little and love men; time thy calls on the people.”

  Our noteConfucius explains the essential requirements for governing a state or large organization effectively.

• Choosing your path

  “If shouldering a whip were a sure road to riches I should turn carter; but since there is no sure road, I tread the path I love.”

  Our noteDiscussing the uncertainty of wealth and the importance of following one's passion.

• Thrift vs Waste

  “Waste makes men unruly, thrift makes them mean; but they are better mean than unruly.”

  Our noteConfucius discusses the trade-offs between extravagance and extreme frugality.

• Judging character

  “Commend a man for plain speaking: he may prove a gentleman, or else but seeming honest.”

  Our noteHe warns that outward speech is not always a reliable indicator of true character.

• Trust is essential

  “From of old all men die, but without trust a people cannot stand.”

  Our noteConfucius explains why trust is more important than food or military power.

• Lead by example

  “To rule is to set straight. If ye give a straight lead, Sir, who will dare not go straight?”

  Our noteDefining leadership as the act of setting a correct example for others.

• Action over words

  “A gentleman is shamefast of speech: his deeds go further.”

  Our noteHe emphasizes that a leader's actions should carry more weight than their talk.

• Focus on competence

  “Sorrow not at being unknown; sorrow for thine own shortcomings.”

  Our noteConfucius advises focusing on personal growth rather than seeking fame.

• Self driven inquiry

  “Unless a man say, Would this do? Would that do? I can do nothing for him.”

  Our noteConfucius discusses the necessity of personal initiative in learning.

• Five leadership traits

  “Modesty escapes insult: bounty wins the many; truth gains men's trust; earnestness brings success; and kindness is enough to make men work.”

  Our noteConfucius defines the five qualities that constitute true love and effective leadership.

• Efficient management

  “To further what furthers the people, is not that kindness without waste? If burdens be sorted to strength, who will grumble?”

  Our noteConfucius explains how to lead effectively without wasting resources or causing resentment.

• Required character

  “a knight had need be strong and bold”

  Our noteTseng-tzu describes the necessary resilience and courage for a person of high purpose.

• Keeping promises

  “if promises hug the right, word can be kept”

  Our noteYu Jo discusses the conditions under which a person can reliably keep their word.

• Internal Integrity

  “The superior man examines his heart, that there may be nothing wrong there, and that he may have no cause for dissatisfaction with himself.”

  Our noteConfucius describes the self-reflection required of a leader.

• Deliberation and Success

  “In that repose there may be careful deliberation, and that deliberation will be followed by the attainment of the desired end.”

  Our noteConfucius explains how mental tranquility leads to successful execution.