The Master said, “To learn and at due times to repeat what one has learnt, is that not after all a pleasure? That friends should come to one from afar, is this not after all delightful? To remain unsoured even though one’s merits are unrecognized by others, is that not after all what is expected of a gentleman?”
子曰：「學而時習之，不亦說乎？有朋自遠方來，不亦樂乎？人不知而不慍，不亦君子乎？」
Notes
These three passages from The Analects represent Confucius’s classical teachings on learning, social interaction, and self-cultivation, embodying profound life wisdom. Progressing from “personal growth” to “social engagement” and ultimately to “spiritual enlightenment,” they not only reflect Confucius’ own character but also serve as enduring spiritual guidance for the Chinese people in moral conduct and worldly affairs.
Confucius emphasized that learning establishes one’s foundation, illustrating the Confucian value of “self-cultivation as the core tenet.” He stressed that “learning” transcends passive knowledge accumulation; it requires timely application of knowledge into practice. Through continuous learning and practice, one achieves self-improvement, which in turn brings inner joy and fulfillment.
Confucianism highly values the “ethics of friendship,” regarding friends as essential partners in spreading virtue and refining knowledge. Such joy arises from intellectual exchange and shared values, fulfilling humanity’s innate need for social connection.
Confucius held that a noble person’s worth lies not in others’ approval but in unwavering moral integrity. Remaining free of resentment when misunderstood demonstrates inner resolve and magnanimity—a respect for others and confidence in one’s ethical convictions. This epitomizes the Confucian principle of “seeking within oneself” (introspection over external validation).
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