Mencius said:
“The trouble with people is that they love to act as teachers to others.”
孟子曰：「人之患在好為人師。」
Note
Though brief, this saying from Mencius: Li Lou I reveals Confucianism’s deep concern for the proper order of self-cultivation, ethical teaching, and humility.
Plain explanation
Many people, before they’ve truly cultivated themselves, rush to instruct or correct others – adopting a “I know better than you” attitude.
This tendency stems from arrogance, superficiality, or a desire to show off, not genuine care.
A true gentleman, by contrast, remains humble and self-reflective, never eager to assume the role of teacher.
“Loving to be a teacher” vs. True teaching
Confucians value education – Confucius welcomed all students; Mencius cherished teaching talent. The problem lies in the word “love” – an eagerness to instruct without being asked, without self-mastery, and often for ego rather than benevolence.
Self-cultivation comes before teaching others
The Great Learning’s sequence – cultivate the self before regulating the family or governing the state – underpins this warning.
As Confucius said:
“Don’t worry that others don’t know you; worry that you lack ability.”
One must first “rectify oneself” before guiding others.
Humility as a core virtue
The Book of Changes (Yi Ching) declares the Hexagram of Humility the only one with all auspicious lines. True virtue feels “I am still lacking”; only the shallow feel compelled to prove superiority.
Historical Context: The boastful scholars of the Warring States
In an era of rhetorical competition, many “scholars”, such as Su Qin, Zhang Yi, marketed themselves as royal advisors for fame and profit.
Mencius, though advocating the ideal of “teacher to kings,” insisted on moral integrity over opportunism – refusing high office when it compromised principle.
Resonance with Daoism and Buddhism
- Laozi warned: “To know you don’t know – that’s wisdom; to not know yet think you do – that’s folly.”
- Similarly, Buddhist “pride” obstructs enlightenment.
- Though socially engaged, Confucianism shares with these traditions a rejection of intellectual arrogance.
In essence: Before you teach, ask – not whether others need your words, but whether your heart is free of pride.
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