Men at their birth,
are naturally good.
Their natures are much the same;
their habits become widely different.
If foolishly there is no teaching,
the nature will deteriorate.
The right way in teaching,
is to attach the utmost importance
in thoroughness.
Of old, the mother of Mencius
chose a neighbourhood
and when her child would not learn,
she broke the shuttle from the loom.
Tou of the Swallow Hills
had the right method
He taught five son,
each of whom raised the family reputation.
To feed without teaching,
is the father's fault.
To teach without severity,
is the teacher's laziness.
If the child does not learn,
this is not as it should be.
If he does not learn while young,
what will he be when old?
If jade is not polished,
it cannot become a thing of use.
If a man does not learn,
he cannot know his duty towards his neighbour.
He who is the son of a man,
when he is young,
should attach himself to his teachers and friends;
and practise ceremonial usages.
Hsiang, at nine years of age,
could warm his parent's bed.
Filial piety towards parents,
is that to which we should hold fast.
Jung, at four years of age,
could yield the (bigger) pears.
To behave as a younger brother towards elders,
is one of the first things to know.
Begin with filial piety and fraternal love,
and then see and hear.
Learn to count,
and learn to read.
