On Learning
人能弘道,非道弘人。
"A person can enlarge the right path; the right path does not enlarge the person."
Chinese Original
人能弘道,非道弘人。
English Rendering
A person can enlarge the Way; the Way does not enlarge the person.
Chinese Translation
孔子说 :“ 人的才能可以把道光大 ,不是道可以把人的才能光大。”
Modern Meaning
In "人能弘道,非道弘人," Confucius focuses on a person can enlarge the right path. The exact principle is that wisdom has to become a visible pattern of conduct, not a sentence one merely agrees with. The tension is not generic conduct; it is the specific problem that people understand a principle abstractly but fail to choose the behavior it requires in the next situation, which still appears in facing a routine decision where character is easier to postpone than practice.
How to Apply Today
Use this teaching today in facing a routine decision where character is easier to postpone than practice. Because this line says "A person can enlarge the right path," translate the sentence into one observable behavior and do it before the day ends, so the lesson becomes visible in one behavior.
Reflection Question
For "人能弘道,非道弘人" (row 11, 为学篇 / On Learning), What exact behavior would show that I understand this teaching today?
Action Step
Choose one decision today and write the behavior this teaching requires before acting, specifically in response to this demand: "A person can enlarge the right path."
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