Source: Chapter 20 of The Doctrine of the Mean
Original text:
Be knowledgeable, interrogate, think carefully, distinguish clearly and persist. Yes, Fu Neng of learning, Fu CuO also; There are questions, problems and measures;
There are Fu Si, Fu De and Fu CuO who are thinking; There are Fu Bian, Fu Ming and Fu CuO; There are blessings, blessings, blessings. If a person can do it, he will do it; People can do it in ten ways and thousands of ways. Can do this, stupid is wise, soft is strong.
Translation:
We should study extensively, ask for knowledge in detail, think carefully, distinguish clearly and practice practically. If you don't learn, you will. You can't stop if you don't study.
You can't stop without asking for advice and understanding thoroughly; If you don't think about it, you can't stop without thinking about it. If you don't distinguish, you can't stop without distinguishing;
If you don't do it, you won't do it. If you don't do it, you can't stop. Others learn once, and I learn a hundred times; Others will learn it ten times and I will learn it a thousand times.
If this method can be implemented, even stupid people will become smart and even vulnerable people will become strong.
Extended data:
"erudition, interrogation, deliberation, discernment and faithfulness" comes from the twentieth chapter of the Doctrine of the Mean. This is about several levels of learning, or several progressive stages. "erudition" means that in order to learn, we must first search widely and cultivate rich and exuberant curiosity.
Without curiosity, the desire to learn disappears and erudition becomes impossible. "Bo" also means broad and inclusive. Only by being broad and inclusive can we be inclusive, learn with a world vision and an open mind, and truly be "tolerant and generous", and then "love the masses and be kind to others".
So erudition can be the first stage of learning. After this stage, learning is a rootless tree and passive water. "Interrogation" is the second stage. If you don't know anything, you should ask questions to the end and doubt what you have learned.
After asking questions, you should carefully examine and analyze them through your own ideological activities, otherwise what you have learned will not be used for yourself, but for "careful thinking." "Demonstration" is the fourth stage. Learning is becoming clearer and clearer. If you don't argue, the so-called "erudition" will be mixed, and it is difficult to distinguish between true and false.
"Pursuit" is the last stage of learning, that is, since you have learned something, you must work hard to implement what you have learned, so that you can finally implement what you have learned and achieve "unity of knowledge and action".
"Dedication" means loyalty, firmness, singleness and perseverance. Only people with clear goals and firm will can truly "persevere".
References:
Baidu encyclopedia-learned, interrogated.