This document provides a reading activity where students must match quotes from Confucius with their simplified translations. It includes 5 quotes from Confucius and their potential simplified translations. As an extension activity, students are asked to create a "Book of Virtues" based on Confucius' principles, including writing each principle with an associated quote and reflecting on how the quote applies to their own life.

1. Name: _________________________________________________ Date: ____________ Period: ______
Directions: As a group, read the following quotes from Confucius in the left column below and then match the quotes
with their simplified translations on the right. An example has been done for you.
Example:
When you feel that you are not going to
achieve your goals, don’t change your
goal, change the actions you are taking
to reach that goal. Don’t lower your
standards.
When it is obvious that your goals cannot be
reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the
action steps.
{Principles that can be applied: wisdom,
overcoming failure, enthusiasm}
1.
2.
3.
By three methods we may learn
wisdom: First, by reflection, which is
noblest; Second, by imitation, which is
easiest; and third by experience, which
is the bitterest.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling,
but in rising every time we fall.
Real knowledge is to know the extent of
one's ignorance.
4. Choose a job you love, and you will
never have to work a day in your life.
5. Everything has beauty, but not
everyone sees it.
_______
a. If you love what you do, it will never
feel like work.
b. When you can admit that you don’t
know everything, then you are
admitting that you really smart.
_______
c. It is okay to make mistakes as long as
you learn from them.
_______
_______
_______
d. There are many ways you can learn
something. First, by thinking about your
actions and reflecting about them; this
is the best way. Second, by copying
someone else that knows how to do
something well; this is the easiest way.
Finally, by learning from your past
experiences; this is often the hardest.
e. Look for the positive in every situation,
it’s there, even if it’s hard to find.
Challenge/Extension Activity:
1. Confucius believed in living a life that followed some basic principles, and he often preached those principles
throughout his lessons. Those principles are: wisdom, friendship, integrity, respect, modesty, knowledge, and
enthusiasm. You are going to create a “Book of Virtues” based on Confucius’ principles using the template that
has been provided for you. On the inside left panel, you will write each of the 7 virtues and a quote from
Confucius underneath it. You have the choice to find a Confucius quote that fits each principle (not one from
today’s lesson) or you may challenge yourself to write your own quote in Confucius’ style. On the inside right
panel, you are going to write about how each of these quotes applies to your life. For example: What does this
quote mean to you? When in your life could you apply this quote? Have you ever been in a situation in which this
quote would have been useful to you? You are being graded on neatness and effort, so be sure to decorate the
book with color and any designs that are applicable to the assignment.
Please visit www.protopage.com/msfaron to access useful websites for this activity.