Speak the truth, do not yield to anger; give, if thou art asked for little; by these three steps thou wilt go near the gods.
ConfuciusRead
Every piece of marble has a statue in it waiting to be released by a person of sufficient skill to chip away the unnecessary parts. Just as the sculptor is to the marble, so is education to the soul. It releases it. For only educated people are free people. You cannot create a statue by smashing the marble with a hammer, and you cannot by the force of arms release the spirit or the soul of people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Education uncovers the potential within us, just as a sculptor reveals a statue from marble.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the transformative power of education. Just as a skilled sculptor carefully removes excess marble to unveil a statue, education helps individuals discern and develop their true capabilities. It suggests that education is essential for personal freedom and growth, highlighting that true enlightenment cannot be achieved through force or coercion, but rather through understanding and learning.
Themes
EducationPotentialFreedomGrowthSkill
In practice
Example use cases
In a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of education as a means of personal liberation.
More from Confucius
All quotes βEarnest in practicing the ordinary virtues, and careful in speaking about them, if, in his practice, he has anything defective, the superior man dares not but exert himself; and if, in his words, he has any excess, he dares not allow himself such license.
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When you see a good person, think of becoming like her/him. When you see someone not so good, reflect on your own weak points.
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Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
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The superior man is distressed by the limitations of his ability; he is not distressed by the fact that men do not recognize the ability that he has.
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Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
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