Confucius was a very industrious person. He thus described himself, “I once spent all day thinking without taking food and all night thinking without going to bed, but I found that I gained nothing from it. It would have been better for me to have spent the time in learning” (Analects, BK 14). When Confucius heard that the Duke of She asked Tzu Lu(子路) about him and Tzu Lu did not respond, he said to Tzu Lu. “Why did you not simply say something to this effect, he is the sort of man who forgets to eat when he tries to solve a problem, who is so full of joy that he forgets his worries and who does not notice the onset of old age’” (Analects, BK 7). Confucius said of himself, “I was not born with knowledge but being fond of antiquity, I am quick to seek it.” (Analects, BK 7). “Even when walking in a party of no more than three, I am bound to be able to learn from those I am with. The good points of them I copy, the bad points of them I correct in myself.” (Analects, BK 7). “How dare I claim to be a sage or a benevolent man? Perhaps it might be said of me that I learn without flagging and teach without growing weary.” (Analects, BK 7).

These passages all illustrate the extent of Confucius’ devotion to learning. His method of learning was strict and meticulous. He claimed that “to say you know when you know, and to say you do not, when you do not, that is knowledge.” (Analects, BK 2). He insisted that “When a gentleman is ignorant, he would not offer any opinion.” (Analects, BK 13). Thus he said, “l am able to discourse on the rites of the Hsia, but the state of Chi does not furnish sufficient supporting evidence; I am able to discourse on the rites of the Yin, but the state of Sung does not furnish supporting evidence. This is because there are not enough records and men of erudition. Otherwise I would be able to support what I say with evidence” (Analects, BK 3).

Kung Te-Cheng, the 77th lineal descendent of Confucius.