12 Inspiring Lessons By Confucius That Will Change Our Life

Although many years have passed since the time of Confucius, he is still one of the most influential and meaningful people that have made a change in humanity.

People from everywhere around the world have been influenced by his life philosophies which are still important just like they were back in 479 BC. We all know that golden rule that says we should not do to people what we do not want to be done to us.

However, there are still some more lessons that can help you have a better life filled with happiness.

1. Your Friends Are Important

Confucius used to say that the choice of friends is very important for our well-being. He said: “Never contract friendship with a man that is not better than thyself.”

One study by the University of Harvard says that people who are surrounded by good and happy friends, tend to live happier as well as longer lives. So, if you have good friends, treat them well, and make sure to keep them.

2. Nothing Good Comes Easy

Since our brains are designed in a way to protect us from danger, we tend to have more negative emotions. When you think of the worst, you would be prepared if something bad happens.

Anyway, we should force ourselves to have a more positive point of view, and concentrate on the good things in life. Even though it may be hard to do this, then, the brain will rewire, and it will think in a more positive way.

And, this is Confucius saying “It is easy to hate, and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve, and bad things are very easy to get.”

3. Never Give Up

No matter how hard things seem, you should never give up on them. Sooner or later, your dream will come true. You should remember that nothing comes easy, but having a goal and being focused on is what keeps us moving.

And, Confucius said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

4. Forget About the Past

Spending time thinking about the things that happened in the past makes you unable to live and enjoy the present. In one way or another, everyone makes mistakes, but the important thing is to accept them, learn from them, and move on.

Concentrate on the things that will help you have a brighter future. Set yourself a goal and work on it. “To be wronged is nothing unless you continue to remember it.”

5. All or Nothing

You should remember that whatever you decide to do in your life, you should do it with all of your heart, or not do it at all, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”

Never let just try something and then give it up. Always do your best and you will achieve every dream you have.

6. Control Yourself

When you are in a fight with someone or angry about something, think about “When anger arises, think of the consequences.” You need to control yourself because many of us say things when we are angry that actually have no meaning.

Remember that nothing good happens because of anger. Thinking about the consequences may help you find a better way of finding a solution.

7. Adjustments Are Needed in Life

From time to time you should take a look at the big picture in order to find out what you need to change or improve in order to achieve your goal.

Confucius once said, “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”

8. You Can Learn from Everyone

You can learn from every person you meet in life. Everyone has something interesting and wise to share, so make sure to be a good listener in order to learn something that will be useful.

Also, when you are more interested in people’s experiences, you are more likely to make friendships.

Follow Confucius’s advice “If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”

9. Get Ready First

When you are ready for achieving your aim, you have better chances of achieving it. “The expectations of life depend upon diligence; the mechanic that would perfect his work must first sharpen his tools.” You need hard work and the right tools to achieve your life goals.

10. Do Not Pay Attention to Wicked People

Confucius once said, “To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.” And, he was right. We should not pay attention to what wicked and evil people say because we may become just like them.

11. Revenge Is Not Good

When someone does something bad to you, you may instantly think of revenge. But, as Confucius said, “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” You should forget about revenge because when you try to do something bad for someone, you may fall into your own trap as well.

12. Never Forget People Who Have Helped You

Although Confucius said that we should forget about people who have done something bad to us, he also said that we need to remember people who have done something good for us. “Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses,” that is right!

These lessons can help anyone no matter how different our lives are. Follow Confucius’s life lessons to lead a better life.