Learn The Analects(1): The Joy of Learning
As I grow older, I realize that much of the knowledge I once learned has already been returned to my teachers. It feels necessary to revisit and relearn it.
I’ve decided to go back to the classics, and my choice is The Analects. Written by Confucius and his disciples, this text has influenced Chinese culture for more than two thousand years, becoming deeply embedded in our cultural DNA. It deserves a fresh reading. Back in my school days, I studied parts of The Analects mainly to pass exams. Now, I want to study it again to discover the deeper truths about life it contains.
During this process, I plan to write down some reflections and insights from my study of The Analects.
Alright, enough preface.
In the past two days, I’ve been reading the very first passage of Chapter 1, Xue Er (“On Learning”), and I was surprised to find that its true meaning differs greatly from what I used to think.
The first passage goes like this:
学而时习之不亦乐乎有朋自远方来不亦乐乎人不知而不愠不亦君子乎The three lines mean:
- Is it not a joy to learn and practice what you have learned?
- Is it not delightful to have friends come from afar?
- Is it not the mark of a gentleman not to be resentful when others fail to recognize you?
Here’s how I used to understand it:
- One should frequently review what one studies in order to master it.
- When friends travel a long way to visit, it makes you happy.
- If others don’t understand you and you don’t get angry, you are a gentleman.
Looking back, only the third interpretation was somewhat close. The first two were actually wrong.
“Is it not a joy to learn and practice what you have learned?”
I used to quote this line to my son, telling him to review his lessons often because that was the wisdom of the ancients. Over time, I accepted it as self-evident. But after studying it again, I realized that the word xue (學) doesn’t just mean “book learning.” It refers broadly to all kinds of learning—learning to be a person, learning to handle affairs, and improving oneself in every way. As the old saying goes, “To understand human affairs is itself a form of learning.” Reading books is only one kind of study; every effort to improve oneself is learning. With this understanding, the saying applies not only to students, but also to workers, professionals, and freelancers.
The word xi (習), moreover, does not merely mean “review.” It carries the sense of practice and application. In other words, when you encounter something new, you should practice it, use it, and gain from it. This process brings genuine joy, because you can feel yourself improving. For example, when you see others working out, you may begin exercising yourself. As you persist, you notice your body transforming—you might even see your abs taking shape. That brings joy.
Or, when you learn a new way to earn money and apply it consistently, eventually you see tangible results. That too brings joy.
This is the real delight of “learning and practicing.”
“Is it not delightful to have friends come from afar?”
On the surface, this means it’s pleasant when friends visit from far away. But the deeper meaning is: when someone who truly understands you comes into your life, that brings great joy. This links directly to the next line about others not recognizing you. After all, having a true confidant in life is rare. Think of the story of Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi, whose friendship was built on deep mutual understanding. Most people may never encounter such a soulmate in their entire lives. That’s why “having friends from afar” is such a cause for happiness.
“Is it not the mark of a gentleman not to be resentful when others fail to recognize you?”
This means that even if you don’t find a soulmate, it’s fine. Don’t be angry or saddened by the lack of recognition.
In summary
These three sentences together form a progression:
First, the joy of personal improvement through learning and practice (solitary joy). Then, the joy of meeting someone who understands you (shared joy).
Finally, the ability to remain serene even without recognition (self-sufficient joy).
In essence, it’s about cultivating continuous progress, sharing happiness when possible, and remaining content even in solitude.
Final Words + More Resources
My intention with this article was to help others share my knowledge and experience. If you want to contact me, you can contact by email: Email me
Here are also the most important links from this article along with some further resources that will help you in this scope:
- 👨💻 xue er
Oh, and if you found these resources useful, don’t forget to support me by starring the repo on GitHub!