What does it mean to be sensitive and eager to learn and not be ashamed to ask questions?

"Sensitive and eager to learn, not ashamed to ask questions" means not ashamed to ask questions, asking people with lower status and knowledge, and describing modesty and eagerness to learn.

source

The Analects of Confucius, Gongye Chang, fifteenth.

Zi Gong asked, "Why did Confucius call it Wen?"

Confucius said, "I am quick and eager to learn, and I am not ashamed to ask questions. It is called' Wen'."

translate

Zi Gong asked: "Why did you give posthumous title, a' literature' in A Zi, Kong Wen?" Confucius said, "He is smart, diligent and eager to learn, and he is not ashamed to ask questions. He is from posthumous title."

Extended data

Comment and analysis

In this chapter, Confucius talked about the problem of "not ashamed to ask questions" when answering Zi Gong's question. This is the method that Confucius has been using in his research. "Being quick and eager to learn" means being diligent and eager to learn. "Don't be ashamed to ask questions" means not only to listen to and solicit the opinions of teachers and elders, but also to solicit the opinions of all those who don't have as much general knowledge as themselves. Don't be ashamed of it.

Confucius' expression of "not ashamed to ask questions";

First, students who study nearby, that is, teaching while learning, are recorded in many places in The Analects of Confucius.

The second is to learn from the people. In his view, the masses can learn a lot, which can also be found in The Analects. His learning attitude of "not ashamed to ask questions" has had a far-reaching impact on later scholars.