Confucius lived more than 2500 years ago. How did I come to know about him? I was checking out some quotes on education for an article I was writing and found some of the quotes said by him that touched my heart. He was Chinese philosopher/ educator who is now somewhat forgotten in the modern socialist China. A knowledge-seeking-freak that I am, I searched up more about him. I’m not a fan of preachers and saints, but what Confucius preached was practical. Unlike other philosophers, he did not advocate the path to attaining salvation or freedom of soul from the body. He showed people how happiness can be attained in life through social order. He put a great emphasis on education. I’m penning down some of his quotes that could be handy for a student.
1. The essence of knowledge, is having it, to apply it.
Knowledge sharing is an essential component of the society. Knowledge is only useful when applied. Which is why it is essential to not to waste your time acquiring knowledge which you will never be able to apply in your life.
2. Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.
Hope of a better things ahead is what keeps us happy and moving. I have heard many people saying, “Be satisfied with what you have”, but who enjoys being stagnant? We’re born to grow and flourish. The hope for growth and achieving goals is what keeps us moving. Then again, the key is education and learning.
3. I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand
This one is quite famous. I didn’t know until a few days back that it was Confucius who said it. Classroom lectures are easy to forget, Video lectures and images are more explanatory, and practicing it yourself is when we understand it the best. This is especially applicable to coding students. Wink wink.
4. Knowledge is recognizing what you know and what you don’t
This reminds of another quote, “Fools are always so certain of themselves, but wise people so full of doubts.” It’s because the wise ones know that there’s so much more that they still need to learn.
5. By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Self reflection or critical thinking is the best way absorb and learn. Reflection stimulates our mind and increases both our cognitive and emotional structure. And in today’s world, it’s crucial to be responsible for your own learning.
6. Learn as though you would never be able to master it; hold it as though you would be in fear of losing it.
Learning is a life-long journey that should be revered. It really doesn’t stop when you graduate. We learn from our experiences, from people around us and from the work that we do.
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