人(rén)之(zhī)初(chū)

王(wánɡ)应(yīnɡ)麟(lín)〔宋(sònɡ)代(dài)〕

人(rén)之(zhī)初(chū)，性(xìnɡ)本(běn)善(shàn)。

性(xìnɡ)相(xiānɡ)近(jìn)，习(xí)相(xiānɡ)远(yuǎn)。

苟(ɡǒu)不(bù)教(jiào)，性(xìnɡ)乃(nǎi)迁(qiān)。

教(jiào)之(zhī)道(dào)，贵(ɡuì)以(yǐ)专(zhuān)。

子(zǐ)不(bù)学(xué)，非(fēi)所(suǒ)宜(yí)。

幼(yòu)不(bù)学(xué)，老(lǎo)何(hé)为(wéi)。

玉(yù)不(bù)琢(zhuó)，不(bù)成(chénɡ)器(qì)。

人(rén)不(bù)学(xué)，不(bù)知(zhī)义(yì)。

Explanation of Ancient Chinese Poetry

At the beginning of one’s life, one’s nature is inherently good.
Our innate dispositions are not much different; however, due to varying environments and educations in later life, our habits and characters develop significant differences.

If one is not properly educated from childhood, one’s inherently good nature will change.
The most crucial method to prevent people from turning bad is to devote oneself wholeheartedly to educating children.

It is highly inappropriate for a child to refuse to study diligently.
If a person does not study hard when young, they will lack both moral understanding and knowledge when old, making it difficult for them to achieve anything significant in later life.

A jade, without being polished and carved, will not become a exquisite object.
Similarly, if a person does not study, they will not understand etiquette and will not be able to become talented.

Annotations

  • 初 (Chu): The beginning, the start.
  • 性 (Xing): Character, innate disposition.
  • 习 (Xi): Habit, temperament.
  • 苟 (Gou): If, in case.
  • 教 (Jiao): To educate, to instruct.
  • 迁 (Qian): To change.
  • 专 (Zhuan): To concentrate wholeheartedly.
  • 宜 (Yi): Suitable, fitting, ought to.
  • 琢 (Zhuo): To carve, to sculpt.
  • 器 (Qi): Artifact, here referring to becoming talented.
  • 义 (Yi) (ancient synonym for “仪”): Just and appropriate conduct or behavior.

Brief Analysis

“The Beginning of Human Nature” is an excerpt from “The Three Character Classic,” one of the three traditional Chinese primers for children’s education.

  • This short passage delves into human nature, education, learning, and morality, clearly elucidating these principles in an easy-to-understand manner:
  • human nature is inherently good, and the environment in later life has a significant impact on its development;
  • education is important and necessary, and its method and principle lie in concentration and devotion;
  • learning is important and urgent, and one should cherish their youthful years; learning plays a crucial role in refining one’s moral concepts and values.

The entire text is concise and meaningful, with precise and thought-provoking statements, catchy rhythms, and possesses unique ideological value and cultural charm.