“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
~ Confucius
With this quotation or tidbit of advice, Confucius' advocates for reflection, which in my mind boils down to reading, writing, and study, as the noblest form of attaining wisdom. He states imitation is the easiest, which I connect to pretending, pretending to be something you're not or attempting to fit into a crowd you simply don't belong. Finally, he connects experience with bitterness, which is the clearest, because experience does bring pain, especially when learning life's harder lessons. Basically, he commends academics and people who practice the art of learning, expresses disappoint for those who simply pretend to live because it's taking the easy road, but then warns about the pains of living. I don't believe he means to dissuade people to not “live” by mentioning the pain that comes with it, but simply attempts to announce the truth about living without claiming negative or positive outcomes. We learn from and enjoy things in life that bring us pain, and if you think about it you will be able to name a few in your own life.
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