The Humble Pursuit: ‘I Dare Not Claim Sagehood, Only Ceaseless Striving’

Confucius said: I dare not call myself a sage, but I can be called one who learns and teaches tirelessly.

The sage and the man of perfect virtue – how dare I rank myself with them? That I strive to become such without satiety, and teach others without weariness – this much can be said of me.

若圣与仁,则吾岂敢?抑为之不厌,诲人不倦,则可谓云尔已矣。

Source: The Analects, Shu Er VII, Chapter 34 (The Words of Confucius)

Author: Confucius

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