Though a sword may be edged, if it is not sharpened, it will not
cut. A man may be able, but if he does not study, he will not
excel. There may be fine wine and superior delicacies, but without
tasting them their excellence will not be known. There may be
an excellent Way, but without study it will not be understood.
Thus after study one realizes his shortcomings, and after teaching
he realizes his shallowness. Because he falls short, he is ashamed
of himself and makes an effort; because he is shallow, he gives
himself over to a teacher[2]
(?) and becomes familiar [with his
subject].
Viewed in the light of this, teaching and learning complement
one another. When Tzŭ-hsia inquired about the Odes, he knew
two parts from having studied one. Confucius said, "It is Shang
who can bring out my meaning. Now I can begin to talk about
the Odes with him."[3]
When Confucius gave distinction to that noble character, his
own saintly virtue was completed. When the disciple received his
influence, his own[4]
virtue was manifested. The Ode says,[5]
By daily progress and monthly advance.
