The Method of Exhaustion: Guiding Inquiry from Both Ends to the Truth

Confucius said: Do I have knowledge? I do not. But if a simple man asks me sincerely, I examine the matter from all sides until it is exhausted.

Am I indeed possessed of knowledge? I am not knowing. But if a mean person, who appears quite empty-like, ask anything of me, I set it forth from one end to the other, and exhaust it.

吾有知乎哉?无知也。有鄙夫问于我,空空如也,我叩其两端而竭焉。

Source: The Analects, Zi Han IX, Chapter 8

Author: Confucius

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top