[One Thousand Characters a Day] Wisdom from the Analects, 'Studying People' <5>

Editor's NoteEven if one thoroughly cultivates oneself according to Confucius' teachings, there are times when all these efforts seem futile as we face serious crises in life. Confucius himself became infinitely vulnerable after losing his beloved disciple Anyeon, lamenting that "even Heaven has abandoned me." However, valuing people above all else, Confucius intensified his efforts in nurturing disciples with the attitude of sincerity (誠), aiming to bear fruits in his life that he could not achieve otherwise. This book discusses the mindset and attitude necessary to continue studying humanity. Zengzi, Confucius' successor, emphasized the three ways of a noble person: the posture of the body, the expression of the face, and the manner of speech. He taught that more than any other ideal value, proper daily habits are essential to becoming a better person. Through Confucius' teachings, which stress being faithful to reality rather than discussing death or the afterlife, it encourages us to create tomorrow's self with today's small sincerity. Word count: 1061.

性相近也 習相遠也 (Seong-sang-geun-ya Seup-sang-won-ya)

Innate nature is similar, but habits create differences. - Yanghwa

In the textbook of governance, Essentials of Governance (Jeonggwan Jeongyo), the following anecdote appears.

Emperor Taizong of Tang said to the Chief Secretary Cen Wenben, "Although people are born with good innate nature from Heaven, they must broadly cultivate learning to perfect their morality. This is like the giant clam that is born holding water but waits for the full moon to release it, or a tree born holding fire but relying on fire to burn. Likewise, people are born with spirit, but only after completing their studies do they reveal their beauty. During the Warring States period, the strategist Su Qin studied diligently even to the point of stabbing his thigh. In the Han Wu Emperor's time, Dong Zhongshu also lowered the curtain and did not leave the garden for three years while reading books. Without cultivating morality and skills, there is no way to establish merit."

Cen Wenben replied, "People's innate nature is originally similar. However, acquired temperament can change. Only by controlling temperament through learning can innate nature be fully preserved. The Book of Rites and Record of Learning say, 'Jade, if not polished, cannot become a vessel; a person, if not educated, does not know the way of humanity.' This is why the ancients studied diligently. This is called the beautiful virtue of moral excellence (懿德, Ideok)."

When Emperor Taizong emphasized the necessity of study by saying, "No matter how good the innate nature, it must be supported by learning," Cen Wenben agreed and cited the phrase from the Book of Rites, 'Jade not polished cannot become a vessel; a person not learning does not know the way' (玉不琢 不成器 人不學 不知道). Cen Wenben's ability to continue the conversation with the emperor using appropriate and fitting words was possible because he had cultivated himself through study. Emperor Taizong likely appreciated Cen Wenben's scholarship and abilities with satisfaction.

Here, besides the purpose of study as "perfecting morality," we can also see another benefit of study. By refining oneself through regular study, one gains an intellectual foundation that allows for dignified conversations with others, especially with superiors.

- Jo Yoonje, Studying People, Cheonglim Publishing, 18,500 KRW