“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”
- 551 BC – 479 BC
- Han ethnicity
- Philosopher, educator, politician
- Known as the founder of Confucianism, he had a major impact on Chinese culture and the whole of East Asia through his teachings on ethics, morality, and politics.
Quote
“If I am walking with two other men, each of them will serve as my teacher. I will pick out the good points of the one and imitate them, and the bad points of the other and correct them in myself.”
Explanation
In this saying, Confucius highlights the value of learning from everyone around us. He suggests that by observing others—both their strengths and their weaknesses—we can improve ourselves. Confucius believes that wisdom is gained not only through personal reflection but also through the examples set by others. From those who exhibit positive traits, we find qualities to emulate, while from those who display faults, we gain insight into behaviors we should avoid or correct in ourselves. This approach to learning emphasizes humility, as it recognizes that every person has something to teach us.
This wisdom is particularly relevant today, where we often seek mentors or role models in formal contexts but might overlook the learning opportunities available in everyday interactions. Confucius’s teaching encourages us to approach everyone with an open mind and a willingness to learn. For instance, in a workplace setting, we might adopt the organization skills of one colleague while observing the negative impact of another’s impatience, thereby learning to avoid it. In personal life, we can apply this same mindset, identifying admirable qualities in friends or family members while noticing areas for growth by observing others’ mistakes.
Confucius’s insight reminds us that self-improvement is a continuous process enriched by the people around us. By observing both the positive and negative traits in others, we expand our understanding of what it means to live with integrity and purpose. This approach fosters a mindset of lifelong learning, humility, and an openness to growth that strengthens our character and deepens our wisdom.
