Teaching for Enlightenment: 8 Timeless Confucius Sayings on Education

Confucius, also known as Kong Fuzi (孔夫子) or Master Kong, was a Chinese philosopher, teacher, and political figure who lived from 551 BCE to 479 BCE during the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history.

Confucius’ teachings and philosophy have had a profound and lasting influence on Chinese culture and beyond. His ideas formed the basis of Confucianism, one of the most influential philosophical and ethical systems in Chinese history. Confucianism emphasizes the importance of moral values, filial piety, respect for authority, and the cultivation of virtue in individuals and society.

Confucius’ impact extends far beyond his time, making him one of the most important and revered figures in Chinese history and world philosophy. His teachings remain relevant today as a source of wisdom and guidance for personal development and social harmony.

Confucius emphasized the importance of education and learning throughout his teachings in the 论语 （Lúnyǔ Analects). Here are more Confucian sayings on education:

学而时习之，不亦说乎？

Xué ér shí xí zhī, bù yì yuè hū?
Isn’t it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?

温故而知新，可以为师矣。

Wēn gù ér zhī xīn, kěyǐ wéi shī yǐ.
By reviewing the old, we can gain knowledge of the new and can become teachers.

敏而好学，不耻下问。

Mǐn ér hào xué, bù chǐ xià wèn.
The wise are eager to learn, and they do not feel ashamed to ask for guidance from those below them.

不学诗，无以言。

Bù xué shī, wú yǐ yán.
If you do not study poetry, you will have no words to express yourself.

巧言令色，鲜矣仁。

Qiǎo yán lìng sè, xiān yǐ rén.
Fine words and an insinuating appearance are seldom associated with true virtue.

知之者不如好之者，好之者不如乐之者。

Zhī zhī zhě bùrú hǎo zhī zhě, hǎo zhī zhě bùrú lè zhī zhě.
Those who know are not as good as those who love, and those who love are not as good as those who enjoy.

三人行，必有我师焉。择其善者而从之，其不善者而改之。

Sān rén xíng, bì yǒu wǒ shī yān. Zé qí shàn zhě ér cóng zhī, qí bùshàn zhě ér gǎi zhī.
When three people walk together, there must be one who can be my teacher. I pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.

学而不思则罔，思而不学则殆。

Xué ér bù sī zé wǎng, sī ér bù xué zé dài.
Learning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.

These sayings highlight Confucius’ emphasis on the value of continuous learning, critical thinking, and self-improvement through education. Confucius believed that education was not only about acquiring knowledge but also about cultivating virtues and becoming a better person in society.

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