On Learning
A gentleman does not engage in seeking
food to satisfy his stomach and comfortable house to live in. Instead, he
is diligent in his duties and careful of his words. And he follows those
who have the knowledge of Tao and corrects himself according to it. In so
doing, he can be called a man who is fond of learning.
At the age of fifteen, I made up my mind to learn; at thirty, I was already well established; at forty I began to be immune from confusion; since the age of fifty, I have known the Decrees of Heaven; since the age of sixty, I have felt no surprise at any opinion; and in my seventies, I have been able to do whatever I intend to without breaching the rules.
If one can have new inspirations by reviewing what he learned before, he is qualified to be a teacher.
Confused is one who learns without pondering. Endangered is one who ponders without learning.
So diligent and occupied am I in learning as to forget meals, and so great a rejoicing have I attained in it as to forget all worries and sorrows. In such a mood, I even forget I am getting old.
Among three people I meet on the way, there will be at least one from whom I can learn something. I may follow his goodness or correct my own mistakes by learning from him.
Once I tried to contemplate all day and all night without eating and sleeping to no effect. It is not as good as learning.
Education should be for all, irrespective of their social status.
It is a foolish man who likes benevolence but dislikes learning. If one respects wisdom but dislikes learning, he will be crafty. If one likes sincerity but dislikes learning, he will be easily harmed. If one likes straightforwardness but dislikes learning, He will be rough. If one likes courage but dislikes learning, he will be a hooligan.
An outstanding official should be educated to improve his knowledge while an outstanding scholar should be charged with official duties to practice what he has learned.