Meaning: If you like learning, you are close to wisdom; if you work hard, you are close to benevolence; if you know shame, you are close to courage.

From: "The Doctrine of the Mean"

Excerpt:

Confucius said, "Study is close to knowledge. Practical practice is close to benevolence. Knowledge of shame is close to courage."

"If you know these three, you will know how to cultivate yourself. If you know how to cultivate yourself, you will know how to govern people. If you know how to govern people, you will know how to govern the world."

Translation:

Confucius said: "If you like to study, you will be close to wisdom; if you work hard, you will be close to benevolence; if you know shame, you will be close to courage."

"If you know these three points, you will know how to cultivate yourself. If you cultivate yourself, you will know how to manage others; if you know how to manage others, you will know how to govern the world and the country. "Extended information

"The Doctrine of the Mean" is a moral philosophy treatise in ancient China that discusses the realm of life cultivation. , originally belonging to Chapter 31 of the Book of Rites, is one of the Confucian classics and is said to have been written by Zisi during the Warring States Period. Its content affirms that "moderate" is the highest standard of moral behavior, regards "sincerity" as the ontology of the world, believes that "perfect sincerity" reaches the highest realm of life, and proposes "learn it well, interrogate it, think carefully, and discern it clearly" , practice it diligently” learning process and understanding method.

"The Doctrine of the Mean" advocates that people should take "neutral" as the basis, everyone should play their part and bear their responsibilities, be loyal to their duties "no fault and no less", not violate the norms, not violate the rules, and do not show off. They each have their own achievements and merits, and are silently pleased that they have cultivated the virtue of moderation, so as to create harmony and health in the world.

"The Doctrine of the Mean" is not only an incisive summary of how to behave in life, but also embodies the norms and wisdom of life. Therefore, it has a very important reference value for people to improve their behavioral cultivation.