Skip to content
Effluo Goal Planning Framework

Confucius

Confucius

Biography

  • 551 to 479 BCE 
  • Chinese philosopher, statesman, poet, teacher 
  • Began teaching after he turned 30
  • Taught more than 3,000 students in his lifetime
  • When Confucius was young he visited Lao-tsze, and considered himself to be the follower of Lao-tsze. 
  • In 16th century Jesuit missionaries urged Vatican to place his name on the calendar of Saints.
  • “He was simply a teacher, and what he taught was the science of living—living in the present, with the plain and simple men and women who make up the world, and bettering our condition by bettering theirs.”  – Elbert Hubbard

Confucius Dietary Recommendations 

  • Eat fresh and local food that is in season
  • Always know the origin of your food
  • Meat should be eaten in moderation
  • Eat only at mealtimes 

 

Confucius Quotes

Set goals - Confucius
Set goals and plan for the future - Confucius
Keep going advance forward - Confucius
Importance of setting good habits - Confucius
Adjust your action steps - Confucius
Stay focused on your goals - Confucius
Prioritize your tasks - Confucius
Do not do things in a hurry - Confucius
Do acts of kindness - Confucius
Network with right people - Confucius

Notable Works

Analects – teachings of Confucius focused on ethics, public interactions, and education. 

The Five Classics

  • Classics of Poetry – a collection of 305 poems
  • Book of Documents – a ,collection of documents and speeches
  • Book of Rites – describes ancient rites, social forms and court ceremonies
  • I Ching – divination system 
  • Spring and Autumn Annals – a historical record of the state of Lu

Impact on History

Confucianism is a worldview on politics, education, and ethics.  Some follow the philosophy with a religious zeal.

Confucius quotes and study of Analects are as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago. 

Most influential teacher in Chinese history

His philosophy still shapes the societal norms and is closely followed by people in 

  • China
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Vietnam

Blog Posts

Confucius Quotes List

Habits and Habit Tracker

Men’s natures are alike;
it is their habits that carry them far apart
Confucius
Though in making a mound I should stop when but one more basketful of earth would complete it,
the fact remains that I have stopped.
On the other hand, if in leveling it to the ground I advance my work by but one basketful at a time,
the fact remains that I am advancing.
Confucius

Goal Achievement Steps

Those whose care extends not far ahead will find their troubles near at hand
Confucius
If a person does not plan and prepare for the future,
he must be beset by worries and troubles very soon.
Confucius
When your paths [dao] are different,
there is no point in seeking advice from one another.
Confucius
If you work for your own selfish ends,
you will make many enemies
Confucius

Daily Goals and Task Prioritization

When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached,
don’t adjust the goals,
adjust the action steps.
Confucius
There must be a lot to see along the byways, but do not wander off,
because you might get bogged down if you have to journey a long way.
Confucius
Don’t try to rush things.
Don’t look to small gains.
If you rush things, you won’t reach your goal.
If you look to small gains, you won’t be able to accomplish the important tasks.
Confucius