Let the Skilled Practice Their Learning

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius told King Xuan of Qi, ‘To build a great hall, you send the master craftsman to find large timber. When he finds it, you are pleased that he is equal to the task. If another craftsman cuts it down too small, you are angry that he has failed the task.’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘Suppose someone studies a discipline from youth and seeks to put it into practice as an adult. What if you tell him, “Set aside what you have learned and follow me instead”?’

Original Chinese text

English translation

‘If you had a piece of uncut jade worth ten thousand yi, you would entrust its carving to a jade worker. Yet when it comes to governing a state, you tell the learned person to discard his learning and obey you. How is that different from directing the jade worker in how to carve the jade?’

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