Learning proceeds until death and only then does it stop. — Xun Zi · Smartyfair

Learning proceeds until death and only then does it stop.

Xun Zi310–235 BC · philosopher · Ancient ChinaXun Zi was an ancient Chinese philosopher in the Confucian tradition who disagreed with Mencius about human nature, teaching instead that people need education, ritual, and effort to become good.1 quote

Source foundLearningAncient

In plain words

You never finish learning. Nobody does.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 80% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Xunzi, Chapter 1, 'An Exhortation to Learning' (勸學); Wikiquote sourced thematic citation.
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced Xun Zi entry citing 'An Exhortation to Learning'

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More on learning

A single conversation with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.Chinese proverb The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.

Aristotle Study the past if you would define the future.

Confucius By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.

Confucius Do not be guilty of possessing a library of learned books while lacking learning yourself.

Erasmus Learning is a kind of natural food for the mind.

More history

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Sun Tzu The wound is the place where the light enters you.

Rumi You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Marcus Aurelius Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Marcus Aurelius