He who studies without appreciating the insights of the wise men of old is no more than a copyist. He who holds office but loves not the common people is no more than a robber in official attire.
Engaging in learning without refining one’s conduct is behaving like a person who tries to liven up conversations by quoting phrases from the scriptures that he does not understand. A career pursued without storing up virtue is as transitory as flowers that bloom and die before one’s eyes.
读书不见圣贤，如铅椠佣；居官不爱子民，如衣冠盗。讲学不尚躬行，为口头禅；立业不思重德，为眼前花。
Notes
Scholarship’s essence: Channeling sages’ spirit
Mere knowledge accumulation is not wisdom. True reading internalizes sages’ principles as life compass.
Governance’s purpose: Serving, not stealing
Officials who neglect the people are “robbers in official robes”:
- Exploiting power for greed,
- Eroding public trust through corruption/inaction.
Teaching’s Truth: Embodiment over eloquence
- Lectures without personal practice (empty chanting) are hypocritical theater.
- Authentic teaching lives the doctrine.
Enterprise’s foundation: Virtue, not vanity
Profit-driven ventures lack roots. Unethical practices (fraud/cutthroat competition) invite ruin.
Enduring success grows from moral soil:
- Integrity earns trust,
- Quality builds legacy,
- Goodwill sustains growth.
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