"Even when walking in the company of two other men, I am bound to be able to learn from them. The good points of the one I copy; the bad points of the other I correct in myself."

~ Confucius, 6th century bce Chinese sage and founder of Confucianism from The Analects

In reading The Analects, I was most moved by Confucius’s frequent references to his desire to learn.

The main theme of Confucianism is becoming the ideal person, chun yu, who embodies virtue (similar to the Greek concept of areté).

Key elements to attaining this ideal state?

Thinking and learning.

Life is our classroom.

Learn, learn, learn!!!

…

“The master said, “In a hamlet of ten households, there are bound to be those who are my equal in doing their best for others and in being trustworthy in what they say, but they are unlikely to be as eager to learn as I am.” ~ Book V, 28

“The master said, “Quietly to store up knowledge in my mind, to learn without flagging, to teach without growing weary, these present me with no difficulties.” ~ Book VII, 2

"It is these things that cause me concern: failure to cultivate virtue, failure to go more deeply into what I have learned, inability, when I am told what is right, to move to where it is, and inability to reform myself when I have defects." ~ Book VII, 3.

  print send