Confucius's life can be described as a life of learning. He described himself as "seeking knowledge with diligence," "learning without satiety," and "not noticing that old age is approaching." The reason he became so learned was that he never ceased studying throughout his life, as stated: "Qiu was fond of learning in youth and came to understand the Dao (The Way) in later years; thus, he became broadly knowledgeable" (Shenzi·Lost Fragments). The reason he could remain "learning without satiety" throughout his life was primarily due to his everlasting humility and constant freedom from complacency. He said, "Do I possess knowledge? I have no knowledge." When others called him a "sage," he humbly replied, "As for being a sage or a person of Ren (Benevolence), how dare I presume?"
Confucius advocated for the unity of learning and action, dedicating himself to practicing the Dao (The Way). He said, "When speaking, consider the consequences and impact; when acting, consider any harmful effects and repercussions." In his old age, bedridden with illness, when Zi Lu (his disciple) had his disciples act as stewards to prepare for his funeral, Confucius rebuked him, saying, "Zhong You (Zi Lu's given name) has long engaged in this sort of deception. I clearly have no stewards, yet you insist on pretending I do. Whom am I deceiving? Am I deceiving Heaven?"
Confucius lived a frugal life, spending within his means and neither taking nor giving excessively. As he said, "Eating coarse rice, drinking water, and pillowing one's head on a bent arm—there is joy to be found in this as well." When choosing spouses for his children, he valued moral character over family wealth, so he married his daughter to Gongye Chang (a disciple who had been imprisoned unjustly) and his niece to Nan Rong (a disciple who repeatedly recited the proverb about the white jade scepter, emphasizing careful speech and conduct). When something was due to someone, he insisted on giving it even if the recipient thought it too much. For instance, when Yuan Si (a disciple) served as his steward, Confucius offered him nine hundred measures of grain. Yuan Si declined, saying it was too much, but Confucius replied, "Give the surplus to your needy neighbors and fellow villagers."
In his daily demeanor, Confucius was gentle yet upright, dignified yet not harsh, respectful yet natural. When he retired from court and stayed at home, he appeared orderly and composed, yet also at ease. When going out, he dressed neatly and behaved properly, following the principle that "when going out, act as if receiving an important guest." His attitude toward others was "do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire." In his work, he was dedicated, and in dealing with people, he was sincere. He adhered to four principles in his conduct: first, not making subjective assumptions; second, not insisting on certainty; third, not being stubborn; and fourth, not being self-centered. He maintained a cautious attitude toward three matters: fasting, warfare, and illness.
He showed a respectful courtesy toward the death of all people. On days when he wept while attending a funeral, he would not sing afterward. When dining at the home of someone in mourning, he could not bear to eat his fill. Seeing funeral garments on the road, he would bow forward on the crossbar of his carriage in reverence. When encountering someone wearing mourning clothes, he would always change his expression. Toward poor and helpless friends, he was extremely generous and compassionate—if a friend died without relatives to arrange the burial, Confucius would invariably say that he himself would take charge of the funeral rites.
Confucius's Ren (Benevolence) extended from humanity to all living creatures in the world, so he ordinarily fished with a rod and line rather than using a net to catch fish in abundance, and used a stringed arrow to shoot birds but did not shoot at birds returning to roost in the evening. His artistic cultivation also reached a very high level, and he had a strong interest in music. While in the State of Qi, after hearing the "Shao" music from the time of Emperor Shun, he became so immersed that he forgot the taste of meat for a long period, as described by the saying "for three months he did not know the taste of meat," remarking that he had never expected music could achieve such a beautiful realm. When he sang with others, if that person sang well, he would surely ask them to repeat the song, and then he would join in singing along.
Confucius spoke differently depending on the place and the person he was addressing, yet he always conformed to Li (Propriety). In his home village, he appeared gentle and respectful, as if he were not good at speaking. In the ancestral temple and at court, he spoke fluently but cautiously. When attending court, he spoke with the lower officials in a harmonious and pleasant manner; with the upper officials, he spoke in a straightforward and upright manner. When entering the Grand Temple to assist in the sacrifices, although he already knew everything, he would still ask about each matter out of reverence and caution.
Furthermore, Confucius observed certain rules and rituals in daily life concerning clothing, food, shelter, and travel. He did not use dark blue or reddish-black cloth for the collar trim of his garments, as dark blue was used for garments of fasting and abstinence, while reddish-black was associated with mourning clothes; for everyday home wear, he avoided red and purple colors. In summer and winter, his clothing and accessories followed specific guidelines, never exceeding the regulations of Li (Propriety/Ritual). On the first day of each month, he always put on his court robes to pay respects. After fasting and bathing, he invariably wore a plain cloth robe known as a "mingyi" (a garment for purification). Except during periods of mourning, he always wore a jade pendant. He did not tire of finely prepared food, nor did he dislike meticulously cut meat. He would not eat food that had changed in smell or meat that had spoiled; he would not eat food of poor color or odor; he would not eat food that was improperly cooked; he would not eat meat that was not cut squarely, nor fish slices that lacked a suitable mustard sauce. Although there might be plenty of meat on the table, he did not overindulge. He could drink wine freely, but never to the point of intoxication or disorder.