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As one of the four core classics of Confucianism, The Great Learning (Daxue) holds a sacred place in Chinese intellectual and cultural history. Originally a chapter in the Book of Rites, an ancient collection of ritual and ethical texts, it was later compiled and annotated by the Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi, who elevated…
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The grandsons of Cai Jing, the notorious prime minister, who grew up in riches, could not tell wheat from rice.
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One day a learned scholar was buying a donkey on the market. A deed had to be filled out recording the transaction.
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“I am seventy already,” said Duke Ping of Jin to his blind musician Shi Kuang. “Though I want very much to study and read some books, I feel it is too late.”
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The Sage, while inwardly enlightened, outwardly embodies simplicity and humility, appearing more “ignorant” than others. Conversely, many who lack true knowledge pretentiously posture as erudite scholars, deluding themselves into believing they surpass others in wisdom.