I became interested in learning when I was fifteen. At the age of thirty, I can do things independently. At the age of forty, I don't have to be confused. At the age of fifty, I learned what human resources can't dominate.

From: Chapter 12 of The Analects of Confucius

Confucius said, "I am determined to learn from five out of ten, stand at thirty, not be confused at forty, know my destiny at fifty, listen to my ears at sixty, and do what I want at seventy without overstepping the bounds."

Interpretation: Confucius said: "I became interested in learning at the age of fifteen. At the age of thirty, I can do things independently. At the age of forty, I don't have to be confused. At the age of fifty, I learned what human resources can't control. Sixty years old, I can listen to different opinions. Only when I am seventy years old can I do whatever I want without overstepping the bounds. "

Confucius, sir. Me: Personal pronoun, me.

On the one hand, the expanded material "Twelve Chapters of the Analects of Confucius" expounds that learning should have a modest and studious attitude and the spirit of being diligent, inquisitive and seeking truth from facts; On the other hand, it expounds the learning methods of reviewing the old and learning the new, combining learning with thinking, and applying what they have learned, which have great influence on the educational theory of later generations. In addition, there are ideological and moral cultivation and the principle of educating people to behave themselves.

The author's achievements:

The core content of Confucius' political thought is "courtesy" and "benevolence". In the general plan of governing the country, he advocated "governing the country by virtue", which is the noblest way to govern the country. This strategy of governing the country is also called "rule by virtue" or "rule by courtesy". This strategy applies morality and politeness to the people, tightens the hierarchy, and completely divides nobles and civilians into ruled and ruled. Broke the original important boundary between nobles and civilians.

Confucius' ideals of "Great Harmony" and "Well-off Society" have a far-reaching influence on China's later generations. Later, thinkers in different historical periods and stages put forward different visions and goals, which also inspired progressive thinkers and reformers. Hong Xiuquan, Kang Youwei, Tan Sitong and Sun Yat-sen were all influenced by them. ?

Confucius' theory of benevolence embodies the spirit of human nature, while Confucius' theory of propriety embodies the spirit of etiquette, that is, order and system in the modern sense. Humanism is the eternal theme of mankind, which is applicable to any society, any era and any government, and order and institutional society are the basic requirements for establishing a civilized human society.