Zixia uses a vivid analogy: artisans stay in workshops to perfect crafts. Similarly, gentlemen must devote themselves to consistent learning to grasp the supreme Dao, highlighting dedicated practice as the only path to moral and spiritual fulfillment.
Confucius tells Zilu six virtues turn into six flaws without learning. Benevolence, wisdom, trust, candor, courage and resolve all slip into extremes when lacking study, proving learning is essential to restrain morality and avoid harmful bias.
The Master said, “I once spent a whole day without eating and a whole night without sleeping, devoting myself entirely to thinking – but gained nothing. It is better to study than to ponder in vain.”
The Master said, “He who learns but does not think is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.”
Playing Go is a minor art; yet even so, you must give your whole attention to it to learn it.