The Analects – Chapter 176 (7.28). Confucius on rational inquiry: From empirical observation to knowledge acquisition

7.28

The Master said, “There may well be those who can do without knowledge, but I for my part am certainly not one of them. To hear much, pick out what is good and follow it, to see much and take due note of it, is the lower of the two kinds of knowledge.”

子曰：「蓋有不知而作之者，我無是也。多聞擇其善者而從之，多見而識之，知之次也。」

Notes

In this passage from the Analects, Confucius clarifies his stance on the source of knowledge: rejecting subjective speculation (“acting without knowledge”) while upholding empirical accumulation through extensive listening and observation, selecting the excellent to follow. This embodies the Confucian rational spirit of “valuing evidence over empty speculation.”

The process from “extensive listening and observation” to “selecting the excellent to internalize” forms a complete cognitive chain: acquisition > filtration > internalization. This is the practical implementation of “acquiring knowledge through learning”.

While “innate wisdom” is a rare gift, “knowledge acquired through learning” remains the achievable path for ordinary people.

“I am not one who is born with knowledge; I am one who loves the ancient ways and seeks knowledge diligently.”(Analects 7.20)

This directly echoes his assertion “I have no such conduct” – he rejects the notions that he is “born with knowledge” or that he “acts without understanding”, affirming that “loving the ancient ways and seeking knowledge diligently” is the path by which he acquires understanding.

“Among three people walking, there must be one who can be my teacher. I choose the good qualities in others and follow them; I see the bad qualities in others and correct them in myself.”(Analects 7.22)

This extends the principle of “learning widely and choosing what is good to follow” to daily interactions, advocating learning from others in everyday life and emulating their strengths.