Kung Fu Tse lived 551-479 BC, during a time of political turmoil in the Spring and Autumn Period.

The goal of Confucianism is to realize a harmonious state in which perfect order prevails, and virtuous men are rewarded.   Virtue consists of filial piety, fulfillment of duty, and the good example of superiors.

• Real knowledge is knowing the extent of one's ignorance.
• A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.
• If the ruler is upright, all will go well in his country.
• Bad government is more terrible than tigers.
• The strength of a nation derives from the virtue of the home.
• A gem can't be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.
• What you do not want done to you, do not do to others.
• Consideration for others is the basis of a good society.
• The sage knows what is right;  the fool knows what will sell.
• The sage demands much of himself;  the fool demands much of others.
  

At 15, I set my mind on learning.
At 30, I took my stand.
At 40, I no longer had doubts.
At 50, I knew the will of Heaven.
At 60, my ear was attuned.
At 70, I follow my heart's desire.