“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.”

— Confucius

Daily Inspiration @rainbowquotes

#Character #Independence #Integrity #Self-Reliance

“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.”

—

Confucius

(Unknown -- Present)

Origin: Chinese

Known for: Philosopher

✨

Meaning

Confucius suggests that true excellence comes from internal validation and self-reliance rather than seeking approval from others. In leadership, maintaining integrity and a strong internal compass is vital for making sound decisions. Look inward to find the strength for greatness.

🔗 View Original Source

Keep exploring

More From This Author

"It does not matter how slowly you go as long…"

"The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply…"

"Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature…"

"Virtue is more to man than either water or…"

"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be…"

"They must often change, who would be constant in…"

"By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice, they…"

"To be able under all circumstances to practice five…"

"The commander of the forces of a large state…"

"When you see a good man, think of emulating…"

"Is he not a man of complete virtue, who…"

"In the presence of a good man, think all…"

"The grass must bend, when the wind blows across…"

"The cautious seldom err."

"The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest…"

"A youth is to be regarded with respect. How…"

"To lead uninstructed people to war is to throw…"

"Can there be a love which does not make…"

"In a country well governed, poverty is something to…"

"Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness.…"

"Hold faithfulness and sincerity as first principles."

"The superior man is distressed by the limitations of…"

"Coarse rice for food, water to drink, and the…"

"The scholar who cherishes the love of comfort is…"

"Sincerity and truth are the basis of every virtue.…"

"The more you know yourself, the less you are…"

"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity…"

"He who wishes to secure the good of others,…"

"When we see men of a contrary character, we…"

"He who speaks without modesty will find it difficult…"

"The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic…"

"To go beyond is as wrong as to fall…"

"What you do not want done to yourself, do…"

"It is easy to hate and it is difficult…"

"Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and…"

"Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.…"

"You cannot open a book without learning something."

"The beginning of wisdom is to call things by…"

"He who fails to prepare, prepares to fail."

"The archer who misses his mark does not blame…"

"The hardest thing of all is to find a…"

"Tell people – and they may forget… show them…"

"Happiness does not consist in having what you want,…"

"Keep it simple and focus on what matters. Don’t…"

"If I am walking with two other men, each…"

"Knowledge without practice is useless. Practice without knowledge is…"

"Don’t worry that no one knows you, but seek…"

"If your plan is for ten years plant trees.…"

"If what one has to say is not better…"

"A healthy man wants a thousand things, a sick…"

"You have two lives. The second begins when you…"

"Time flows away like the water in the river.…"

"He who chases two rabbits, catches none."

"The superior man understands what is right; the inferior…"

"A great man is hard on himself; a small…"

"Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a…"

"Men’s natures are alike, it is their habits that…"

"An oppressive government is more to be feared than…"

"Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them…"

"The man who asks a question is a fool…"

Understanding the quote

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked

Who said "What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others."? +

This quote is attributed to Confucius. Confucius was a Chinese philosopher. Their most powerful quotes on life, success and human nature are collected here for daily inspiration and reflection.

What does this Confucius quote mean? +

Where is this Confucius quote from? +

The wording and attribution are documented at en.wikiquote.org. Use the original source linked on this page to verify the exact phrasing and context.