Everyday expressions that come from Ancient China

 

Confucious (551-479 BCE)

  • ‘He who conquers himself is the greatest warrior’
  • ‘He who overcomes others is strong. He who overcomes himself is mighty.’
  • ‘He who knows other men is discerning. He who knows himself is intelligent.’
  • ‘It is more shameful to distrust our friends, than to be deceived by them.’
  • ‘When you pursue revenge dig two graves.’
  • When a wise man points to the moon, the idiot looks at his finger

Lao Tzu (6th century BCE) author of the Tao Te Ching.

  • ‘Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.’
  • ‘Silence is a source of great strength.’
  • ‘If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.’

Mencius, The Second Sage (c.372-c.289 BCE)

  • ‘Truth uttered before it’s time is always dangerous.’
  • ‘Friendship is one mind in two bodies.’
  • ‘Friends are the siblings God never gave us.’

I Ching ‘Book of Changes’ (1200 BCE)

  • Persistence alone does not guarantee success. Hunting all day in an empty field will not produce a catch.

Sun Tzu Chinese Military Strategist (544-496 BCE)

 

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