巧言令色，鮮矣仁 — Confucius | Printable Wall Art

“巧言令色，鮮矣仁”
“Fine words and flattering looks are seldom signs of true virtue.”

Words by Confucius (551 BC-479 BC) — Ancient Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism.

About this quote

This statement warns against superficial charm and calculated flattery. Confucius suggests that people who use overly polished speeches and exaggerated expressions to please others often lack genuine moral character and benevolence. True integrity, in his view, relies on quiet honesty, earnest action, and authentic goodwill rather than performative outward appearances meant to deceive or manipulate.

The line appears in the Analects, a collection of sayings and teachings attributed to Confucius and compiled by his followers during the Warring States period. It reflects a central Confucian concern with moral self-cultivation over deceptive social polish.

People often hang this print in a home office or study to encourage honesty and authentic personal conduct.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.