Ask why this pond stays so clear: because living water keeps flowing from its source.

問渠那得清如許、為有源頭活水来。

Zhu Xi

Philosophers

Zhu Xi

Southern Song Confucian (1130-1200), the systematizer of Neo-Confucianism. His Four Books commentaries served as China's civil-service exam basis from 1313 to 1905, shaping East Asia's governing class for six centuries.

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Source: 朱熹『観書有感二首』其一 (詩集所収)Verified

Zhu Xi's Other Quotes

Investigate things to extend knowledge.

Before heaven and earth existed, there was, ultimately, principle (li) first.

Learning is for the self.

Related Quotes

Learning is for the self.

-- Zhu Xi

Westward the course of empire takes its way.

-- George Berkeley

If you wish to see the laws of high thunder with a pure and skilful mind, look upon the summits of the highest heaven.

-- Boethius