Confucius Says

I'm reading Henry Kissinger's new book, On China, and so far it has not disappointed. Discussing the singularity of China, Kissinger introduces the profound influence of Kong Fuzi (or Kong Zi)--Confucius, to the Western world. This ancient philosopher (551-479 B.C) of Chinese society, government and leadership, developed his ideas during an era of political and social upheaval, and they have remained at the heart of China's identity and notions of social and political stability for the 2500 years since, notwithstanding the Communist and Cultural Revolutions.

Included in the discussion is a representative quote from Confucius that spoke to me; I hope it speaks also to you.

[L]ove of kindness, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by foolishness. Love of knowledge, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by loose speculation. Love of honesty, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by hurtful candor. Love of straightforwardness, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by misdirected judgment. Love of boldness, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by insubordination. And love of strength of character, without a love to learn, finds itself obscured by intractability. 

---The Analects, by Confucius, translation William Edward Soothill (New York: Dover, 1995), 107.

A love to learn, impliedly, better informs and imbues such worthy characteristics with deeper, more pragmatic understandings and thoughtfulness in applying them. Rings true to me.