A disciple of Confucius remarked, "A man who can love worthiness in man as he loves beauty in woman; who in his duties to his parents is ready to do his utmost, and in the service of his prince is ready to give up his life; who in intercourse with friends is found trustworthy in what he says,—such a man, although men may say of him that he is an uneducated man, I must consider him to be really an educated man."

Tzu-hsia said, "I would grant that a man is, indeed, schooled who shows deference to men of excellence by putting on the right countenance, who exerts himself to the utmost in the service of his parents and offers his person to the service of his lord, and who, in his dealings with his friends, is trustworthy in what he says, even though he be said to be unschooled."

Zixia said, "A man whoTreats his betters as betters, Wears an air of respect, Who into serving father and motherKnows how to put his whole strength, Who in the service of his prince will lay down his life,Who in intercourse with friends is true to his word——others may say of him that he still lacks education, but I for my part should certainly call him an educated man."

Zixia said: "As for persons who care for character much more than beauty, who in serving their parents are able to exert themselves utterly, who give their whole person in the service of their ruler, and who, in interactions with colleagues and friends, makes good on their word (xin 信)——even if it were said of such persons that they are unschooled, I would insist that they are well educated indeed."

Chee-ha says, he who, with an affectionate mind, and a countenance formed to please, serves his father and mother with his utmost ability and diligence; in serving the emperor spends even himself; is constant to his friends, and true to his word; although he say, “I am not learned,” I will call him learned.