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
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engaging in learning requires thoughtful consideration, while thinking without context can lead to danger.
This quote by Confucius emphasizes the importance of combining learning with critical thinking. It suggests that simply acquiring knowledge without reflection is futile, as it does not lead to true understanding. Conversely, engaging in thought without a solid foundation of learning can lead to misguided conclusions and potentially harmful outcomes. The quote advocates for a balanced approach to education, where both thought and learning work in harmony to foster wisdom.
Themes
LearningThoughtEducationWisdomKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about education, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of critical thinking in learning.
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.
ConfuciusRead
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.
ConfuciusRead
Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
ConfuciusRead
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.
ConfuciusRead
Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.
ConfuciusRead
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