Who said “Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”?

Misattributed

Not Confucius. It's commonly credited to them, but the evidence shows it isn't theirs.

What the research foundNot by Confucius. Earliest known source: A Japanese proverb, recorded in W. E. Griffis, The Mikado's Empire (1876).

Evidence: Quote Investigator · Wikiquote · How we check

Source checked · Something wrong? Report a correction

Authors A–Z
“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”
— Confucius
MisattributedNot by Confucius. Earliest known source: A Japanese proverb, recorded in W. E. Griffis, The Mikado's Empire (1876). · evidenceRevenge

Cite this quote

APA

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” [Quotation attributed to Confucius]. (n.d.). Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35921-before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-revenge/

MLA

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” Attributed to Confucius. Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35921-before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-revenge/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” Attributed to Confucius. Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35921-before-you-embark-on-a-journey-of-revenge/.

Related quotes

More quotes by Confucius

“To be with God.”
Heaven
“To go too far is as bad as to fall short.”
Excess
“To love a thing means wanting it to live.”
Love
“When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
Anger
All 93 Confucius quotes →