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Analects · Chapter

Chapter XVII explained

Confucius teaches Yû (Tsze-lû) the essence of knowledge: to recognize both what one knows and what one does not know, equating this honest self-awareness with true knowledge.

What happens

Confucius teaches Yû (Tsze-lû) the essence of knowledge: to recognize both what one knows and what one does not know, equating this honest self-awareness with true knowledge.

Themes in this chapter

  • Learning and Knowledge

    The chapter defines knowledge as the honest recognition of one's own ignorance and understanding.

Characters to notice

  • Confucius

    The Master imparts a lesson on the nature of knowledge.

  • Tsze-lû

    The disciple Yû is addressed directly by Confucius.

Key passages

  • “When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it;—this is knowledge.”

    True knowledge consists of acknowledging what you know and admitting what you do not know.

    Confucius teaches that intellectual honesty is the foundation of wisdom.

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