Zhu Xi Quotes on Knowledge
Zhu Xi (1130–1200) systematized the Song Neo-Confucian synthesis that became the official orthodoxy of Chinese (and Korean and Japanese) state examination systems for the following six centuries. The metaphysical framework distinguishes principle (li) — the rational pattern of each thing's nature and proper development — from material force (qi), and locates moral cultivation in the investigation of things (gewu) by which the student progressively grasps the principle inherent in each thing and so comes to recognize the unity of the principle that underlies them all. The Four Books — Analects, Mencius, Great Learning, Doctrine of the Mean — supplanted the older Five Classics as the curricular foundation of Confucian education through Zhu Xi's commentaries.
Quotes
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Attributed to Zhu Xi:
“When you read, do not seek to discover anything in the books beyond what is in the books.”
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Attributed to Zhu Xi:
“The investigation of things is the foundation of learning.”
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Attributed to Zhu Xi:
“All things in the world have principle, and the investigation of principle must extend to every individual thing.”
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Attributed to Zhu Xi:
“Without learning, even a man of high natural endowment cannot become a sage.”
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“A student asked, “How can a person develop his sincerity and reverence and get rid of his desires?” Zhu Xi responded, “These are the end-points. Sincerity requires getting rid of all sorts of falseness. Reverence requires getting rid of all sorts of laziness. Desires should be blocked.” 13:246 [ 3 ]”
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“Zhengchun said, “I’d like to survey a great many books.” “Don’t do that,” Zhu Xi said. “Read one book thoroughly, then read another one. If you confusedly try to advance on several fronts, you will end up with difficulties. It’s like archery. If you are strong enough for a five-pint bow, use a four-pint one. You will be able to draw it all the way and still have strength left over. Students today do not measure their own strength when reading books. I worry that we cannot manage what we already have set ourselves.” 20:464 [ 4 ]”
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