On Advancing in Learning (Excerpt) - Han Yu
/进学解 - 韩愈/
A Clarion Call to Genuine Study and Moral Growth
业精于勤，荒于嬉；
Excellence in one’s craft derives from diligence, while frivolity breeds neglect.
行成于思，毁于随。
Achievement takes shape through reflection, but blind compliance leads to downfall.
方今圣上御宇，明后视听，求贤若渴。
Today, the enlightened Emperor governs; the wise Empress listens keenly, thirsting for capable talents.
汝曹毋沉迷于声色犬马之玩，
You must not be lost in the indulgences of sensual pleasure or idle pastimes.
逢迎谄谀之辈，而误其身家性命之地。
Nor should you pander to sycophants, thereby endangering your very livelihood and life.
故学者须博学而审问之，慎思而明辨之，
Hence, the scholar must learn widely and inquire carefully, reflect thoroughly and discern clearly,
笃行而更宣之。
Then practice earnestly and further illuminate these truths.
此则进学之道，亦立身之基。
This is the path of advancing in learning and the foundation for establishing one’s character.
Excellence in one’s craft derives from diligence, while frivolity breeds neglect.
行成于思，毁于随。
Achievement takes shape through reflection, but blind compliance leads to downfall.
方今圣上御宇，明后视听，求贤若渴。
Today, the enlightened Emperor governs; the wise Empress listens keenly, thirsting for capable talents.
汝曹毋沉迷于声色犬马之玩，
You must not be lost in the indulgences of sensual pleasure or idle pastimes.
逢迎谄谀之辈，而误其身家性命之地。
Nor should you pander to sycophants, thereby endangering your very livelihood and life.
故学者须博学而审问之，慎思而明辨之，
Hence, the scholar must learn widely and inquire carefully, reflect thoroughly and discern clearly,
笃行而更宣之。
Then practice earnestly and further illuminate these truths.
此则进学之道，亦立身之基。
This is the path of advancing in learning and the foundation for establishing one’s character.
Although known as an essay rather than a traditional poem, Han Yu’s “进学解” (On Advancing in Learning) offers poetic wisdom on the spirit of scholarly dedication. In this excerpt, Han Yu underscores the importance of genuine diligence, warning against the pitfalls of empty pleasures and blind conformity. The opening couplet—“业精于勤，荒于嬉；行成于思，毁于随”—highlights a straightforward but powerful maxim: true mastery arises from steady effort, while negligence and thoughtlessness lead to ruin.
Han Yu then situates this personal call to excellence in a broader political context: the Emperor and Empress are actively seeking competent individuals to serve the court. This setting amplifies the stakes for the reader—success and service depend on both moral integrity and intellectual rigor. Han Yu implores scholars not to lose themselves in trivial amusements or ingratiate themselves with flatterers. Such behavior, he argues, imperils not only the scholars’ career prospects but also their ethical core.
The final lines capture the essence of Confucian learning: one must study widely, question knowledge deeply, and weigh facts with care. Beyond mere book learning, the true scholar is urged to embody virtues through consistent action, thereby illuminating and sharing these principles with others. The idea is that authentic education shapes one’s character, helping to create both a worthy individual and a more enlightened society.
In sum, “进学解” transcends its era, cautioning against superficial success and urging a robust, reflective approach to education. It speaks to anyone who aspires to lead by wisdom, diligence, and upright conduct, reminding us that learning is an active, lifelong endeavor rather than a transient goal.
Key points
• Genuine achievement hinges on continuous study and deliberate thought.
• Superficial amusements and blind conformity sabotage personal growth.
• Intellectual rigor and moral discipline foster lasting success.
• True scholarship extends beyond reading; it transforms both character and community.