Though a man may be able to recite the three hundred odes, yet if, when intrusted with a governmental charge, he knows not how to act, or if, when sent to any quarter on a mission, he cannot give his replies unassisted, notwithstanding the extent of his learning, of what practical use is it?
Where these words come from
- Lots of sources credit Confucius with this, and they agree with each other. The book or the speech it first came from hasn't turned up yet.
- https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/3330/pg3330-images.html
More from Confucius
See allIt does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
ConfuciusStudy the past if you would define the future.ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.ConfuciusOnly after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.ConfuciusLearning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.Confucius
ConfuciusStudy the past if you would define the future.ConfuciusBy three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection; second, by imitation; third, by experience.ConfuciusIf you see what is right and fail to act on it, you lack courage.ConfuciusOnly after Winter comes do we know that the pine and the cypress are the last to fade.ConfuciusLearning without thought is labor lost; thought without learning is perilous.ConfuciusMore on wisdom
In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.
RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusAn unexamined life is not worth living.
SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.
Plato
Sun TzuThe wound is the place where the light enters you.RumiYou have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.Marcus AureliusWaste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.Marcus AureliusAn unexamined life is not worth living.SocratesWonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.Plato