Great Learning
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Great Learning
[change | change source]The Great Learning (Chinese: 大學/大学, dàxué) was one of the "Four Books" used in Confucianism. Zengzi (one of Confucius' followers) is commonly credited with writing the book. It was originally a chapter from the Book of Rites. The book is significant (very important) in Chinese philosphy and political thinking (studying society and how it works).
Teachings
[change | change source]The Great Learning talks about many ideas related to learning, self-cultivation (growing the mind through hard work), and introspection (adding on to prior knowledge, known as the "invesigation of things").
Impact
[change | change source]Being apart of the "Four Books and Five Classics", the text was used and memorized in ancient China for it's imperial examination system (a test for choosing people fit for the government).[1] After the imperial examination system was deemed obsolete (no longer needed) in 1905, the Great Learning still has an impact on modern education in China. It's ideas on hard work and memorization appear the most in China's view on quality education, where they are known to have very low illiteracy (being unable to read) and drop-out (failing school) rates.[2]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Cult of Confucius". academics.hamilton.edu. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
- ↑ Wang, Ting (2006). Understanding Chinese Culture and Learning. Diss. U of Canberra, Australia.
