The Original Quote:
子曰：“君子食无求饱，居无求安，敏于事而慎于言，就有道而正焉。可谓好学也已。”
Zǐ yuē: "Jūnzǐ shí wú qiú bǎo, jū wú qiú ān, mǐn yú shì ér shèn yú yán, jiù yǒu dào ér zhèng yān. Kě wèi hào xué yě yǐ."
English Translation:
The noble person (jūnzǐ 君子) does not seek satiety in food nor comfort in dwelling; he is diligent in affairs yet cautious in speech, and draws near to those who possess the Way (dào 道) to be rectified by them. Such a one may truly be called a lover of learning (hào xué 好学).
Key Concepts Explained:
- Jūnzǐ (君子): The "noble person" or "gentleman" — an ideal moral exemplar who cultivates virtue and leads by ethical conduct, distinct from mere social rank.
- Dào (道): The "Way" — the ultimate principle of moral order and cosmic harmony, guiding righteous action and self-cultivation.
- Yǒu dào (有道): "One who possesses the Way" — a person of moral integrity and wisdom, serving as a teacher or model for correction.
- Hào xué (好学): "Love of learning" — not mere intellectual study, but a holistic commitment to ethical self-improvement through practice and reflection.
Cultural Context:
This passage from the Analects (Lúnyǔ 论语) reflects Confucius’ vision of learning as a lifelong moral discipline, central to the Warring States period (5th–3rd century BCE) when social upheaval demanded ethical renewal. Confucius (Kǒngzǐ 孔子) here contrasts the jūnzǐ with those who prioritize material gain, emphasizing that true learning (xué 学) involves active self-correction through association with virtuous mentors. This teaching influenced generations of Chinese scholars, shaping educational ideals that prioritize character over comfort—a legacy resonant in East Asian cultures today, where diligence and humility remain core to intellectual pursuit.