Analects 15.10 · Wei Ling Gong
“A craftsperson who wishes to do good work must first sharpen the tools.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
工欲善其事 必先利其器 (gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì) means “A craftsperson who wishes to do good work must first sharpen the tools.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 15 (Wei Ling Gong), Chapter 10.
工欲善其事 必先利其器
- Pinyin
- gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì
- Translation
- A craftsperson who wishes to do good work must first sharpen the tools.
- Source
- Analects, Book 15 (Wei Ling Gong), Chapter 10
What does this passage mean?
In Wei Ling Gong, the craftsperson and the tool form an analogy for preparation. Just as a craftsperson sharpens tools before making fine work, every undertaking requires readiness. Confucius originally used the image when Zigong asked how to practice humaneness. It introduced advice to associate with worthy people and befriend humane scholars.
How can we apply it today?
Expecting results without preparation is like cooking with a blunt knife. Rehearsing before a presentation, preparing before an interview, and planning before a project all sharpen the tools. Treating that time as waste lowers the quality of the result. It is equally important to maintain the tool that is oneself. Reading, exercise, meditation, and other daily care sharpen us and improve the quality of both work and life.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Do you prepare adequately before beginning a task?
- ·Are you caring well for the tool that is yourself?
- ·When have you skipped preparation because you felt rushed?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 工 | gōng | craftsman | 3 | 工 (work) |
| 欲 | yù | hope for | 11 | 欠 (lack) |
| 善 | shàn | do well | 12 | 口 (mouth) |
| 其 | qí | that; he | 8 | 八 (eight) |
| 事 | shì | affair | 8 | 亅 (hook) |
| 必 | bì | certainly | 5 | 心 (heart) |
| 先 | xiān | first | 6 | 儿 (legs) |
| 利 | lì | sharp | 7 | 刀 (knife) |
| 其 | qí | that; he | 8 | 八 (eight) |
| 器 | qì | vessel; implement | 16 | 口 (mouth) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “A craftsperson who wishes to do good work…” mean?
工欲善其事 必先利其器 (gōng yù shàn qí shì, bì xiān lì qí qì) means “A craftsperson who wishes to do good work must first sharpen the tools.” It comes from the Analects, Book 15 (Wei Ling Gong), Chapter 10.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 15.10: Book 15 (Wei Ling Gong), Chapter 10.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
Expecting results without preparation is like cooking with a blunt knife.Rehearsing before a presentation, preparing before an interview, and planning before a project all sharpen the tools.