World History 1
Ancient China Unit
Worksheet: Confucius Says
Confucius Say…..
Millions of individuals have studied the teachings of Confucius. He obviously was a smart guy. You’ll also
occasionally run into one of his sayings in fortune cookies in Chinese American restaurants.
In groups, please examine the below quotes and relate them to the principles of Confucian thought: Li,
Jen, Chun, Wen, and Te.
Review:
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Li
Jen
Chun
Wen
Te
Also, remember other aspects of Confucianism we have studied:
The Civil Service Exam, Filial Piety (5 relationships), Mandate of Heaven, etc.
Quote #1:
“ It is not possible for one to teach others who cannot teach his own family.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
Quote #2:
“A gentleman demands much of himself; a mean man demands much of others.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
Quote #3:
“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
Quote #4:
“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
Quote #6:
“A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
Quote #7:
“Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.”
 What does this quote mean?
 How can you apply this quote to what you know about the principles of Confucian thought?
 What did this quote mean to people in ancient China?
 Does this quote still apply to us today?
REFLECTION:
Which of these quotes do you like the best? Why?