Hanyu on Teaching 韩愈《师说》
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师者,所以传道受业解惑也。
- Teachers are those who pass on Truth, impart professional knowledge, and resolve doubts.
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无贵无贱,无长无少,道之所存,师之所存也。
- No distinction should be made between the noble and the humble, or between the old and the young. Wherever the Truth is shared, there a teacher exists.
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孔子曰:“三人行,则必有我师”。是故弟子不必不如师,师不必贤于弟子。闻道有先后,术业有专攻,如是而已。
- Confucius said, "Among even three people walking together, there must be one who can be my teacher."
Thus, students are not always less capable than their teachers, and teachers are not always superior to their students. Some learn the Truth sooner than others, and everyone has their own professional expertise—that is all.