The Master said, 'A man may be able to recite the three hundred odes, but if, when entrusted with a governmental charge, he knows not how to act, or if, when sent to any quarter on a mission, he cannot give his replies without being prompted, notwithstanding the extent of his learning, of what practical use is it?'
— Confucius Ancient

Chinese philosopher, founder of Confucianism

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Details

Context

Analects, Book XIII, Chapter 5

Date / Period

c. 5th century BCE

Category

Humorous

Source

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/3330/3330-h/3330-h.htm#link2H_4_0007

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

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