A classical Chinese line for “How to learn”

Study broadly, question carefully, think cautiously, distinguish clearly, and practice earnestly.

Plain meaningLearn widely, ask well, think clearly, judge carefully, and then act.

Teaching and learning cause each other to grow.

Plain meaningTeachers and students can improve through one another.

Review what is old and understand what is new; then one can serve as a teacher.

Plain meaningReturn to what you know until it yields a new understanding.

When you see a worthy person, think of becoming their equal; when you see someone unworthy, examine yourself within.

Plain meaningLearn from good examples, and use bad examples to inspect yourself.

When three people walk together, one of them must be my teacher. I follow what is good in them and correct in myself what is not good.

Plain meaningEveryone can teach you something—through an example to follow or a mistake to avoid.

A student need not be inferior to the teacher, nor must a teacher be superior to the student.

Plain meaningStudents can surpass teachers, and expertise can differ by subject.