The Joy of Learning and Humaneness

Confucius said: "Is it not a pleasure to learn and then practice what is learned in due time? Is it not joyful when like-minded friends come from afar? Is one not truly noble who feels no resentment when unrecognized by others?"

Youzi said: "A man who practices filial piety and fraternal duty yet enjoys defying authority is rare indeed. Those who dislike rebellion will never instigate disorder. The noble person attends to fundamentals – when roots are established, the Way grows. Filial piety and fraternal duty are the very roots of humanity!"

Confucius said: "Those with honeyed words and flattering countenances seldom possess true humaneness."

Zengzi said: "Daily I examine myself thrice: Have I been wholehearted in serving others? Sincere in friendship? Diligent in reviewing teachings?"

Confucius said: "To govern a state of a thousand war chariots: handle affairs reverently, keep trustworthiness, economize expenditures, cherish the people, and employ labor seasonally."

Confucius said: "A youth should be filial at home, respectful abroad, prudent in speech, trustworthy, love all broadly, and stay close to the virtuous. Having done this, let spare time be devoted to learning."

Zixia said: "One who values virtue over beauty, serves parents with full effort, serves rulers with self-sacrifice, and keeps faith with friends – though claiming no learning, I say he has truly learned."

Confucius said: "Without dignity, the noble person lacks authority; learning then stays ungrounded. Let loyalty and trustworthiness be chief. Avoid friendship with the untrustworthy. When erring, fear not correction."

Zengzi said: "Ponder life's meaning between heaven and earth, inherit the wisdom of ancestors, measure oneself against sages. When all so reflect, people's virtue grows profound."

Ziqin asked Zigong: "How does our Master learn each state's affairs when visiting? Does he inquire, or do rulers volunteer information?" Zigong replied: "Through being temperate, kind, reverent, frugal, and deferential, he gains trust. His approach to governance differs from others'."

Confucius said: "Observe a man's aspirations while his father lives; his conduct after the father's death. If he maintains proper principles for three years – such a man fulfills filial duty."

Youzi said: "Ritual's value lies in achieving harmony. Ancient kings perfected this art. Yet pursuing harmony indiscriminately fails. Harmony without ritual restraint cannot endure."

Youzi said: "When promises accord with truth, words prove trustworthy. When respect observes ritual propriety, shame stays distant. Reliance on such principles commands reverence."

Confucius said: "A noble person seeks neither satiety in food nor comfort in dwelling. Quick in action, cautious in speech, keeping close to the virtuous for self-correction – this constitutes true love of learning."

Zigong asked: "What of being poor without flattery, rich without arrogance?" Confucius replied: "Good, yet inferior to finding joy in poverty and observing ritual in wealth." Zigong cited the Book of Songs: "'As jade is cut, filed, carved, polished' – is this the meaning?" The Master said: "Now I may discuss poetry with you, Si – you comprehend the unspoken from the spoken."

Confucius said: "Trouble not that others know you not; trouble rather that you know not others."

The Joy of Learning and Humaneness's Pictures

The first chapter of the Analects is about learning and studying