# XXXIII explained — Analects

> Chapter companion for Analects by Confucius.

## What happens

Confucius humbly disclaims being a sage or a man of perfect virtue, but asserts that he strives to become such without satiety and teaches others without weariness. His disciple Kung-hsî Hwâ acknowledges that this is something they cannot imitate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Self-Cultivation

Confucius's striving without satiety exemplifies the ideal of continuous self-improvement.

### Learning and Knowledge

Teaching others without weariness underscores the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering learning.

## Character check-ins

### Confucius

Humbly disclaims sagehood, yet affirms his ceaseless striving and teaching.

### Kung-hsî Hwâ

Acknowledges the disciples' inability to imitate Confucius's relentless pursuit and teaching.

## Key lines

> The sage and the man of perfect virtue;—how dare I rank myself with them?

I do not presume to compare myself to a sage or a person of perfect virtue.

_Confucius's humility in the face of lofty ideals._

> I strive to become such without satiety, and teach others without weariness.

I tirelessly work toward that ideal and instruct others without getting tired.

_Emphasizes relentless effort and dedication to teaching._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters/xxxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/analects_se/chapters