2. Knowledge above all

In the ancient Chinese thought, one's ascent to fame and glory must necessarily pass trough knowledge. The "Lord" (junzi), the superior man we find in the teachings of Confucius, distinguishes himself by his education and wisdom. The study and imitation of the Classics of Chinese literature and history were, in the end, the only subject of imperial examinations and thus the condicio sine qua non of one's political and bureaucratical career.
In the following sayings Confucius stresses the importance of diligent study. They are all still common in nowadays Chinese schools.

	"Those working with their mind rule, those working with their strength are ruled."	In this quote Confucius stresses the superiority of intellectuals over popular masses, and the importance of knowledge.
	"Know what you know and admit not to know what you don't: this is knowledge."	According to Confucius, real knowledge knows its limits. As for Socrates, to know what one doesn't know is more important than anything else.
	"Study and teach without growing weary of it."	Again, Confucius. Love for both learning and teaching is the most important characteristic of the wise man.
	One day of practise, one day of results; one day without practising, a ten day loss.	It takes a long time to learn something, and very few time to forget it. So one should study on a regular basis.