Analects 9.23 · Zi Han
“The younger generation deserves our respect; how can we know that those to come will not equal those of today?”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
後生可畏 焉知來者之不如今也 (hòu shēng kě wèi, yān zhī lái zhě zhī bù rú jīn yě) means “The younger generation deserves our respect; how can we know that those to come will not equal those of today?” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 23.
後生可畏 焉知來者之不如今也
- Pinyin
- hòu shēng kě wèi, yān zhī lái zhě zhī bù rú jīn yě
- Translation
- The younger generation deserves our respect; how can we know that those to come will not equal those of today?
- Source
- Analects, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 23
What does this passage mean?
The younger generation literally means those born later, and worthy of awe means deserving both respect and caution. In Zi Han, Confucius recognizes the limitless potential of the young. Failing to achieve something yet does not mean they will remain unable to achieve it. The saying encourages young people while demanding humility from older generations.
How can we apply it today?
In a society marked by generational conflict, Confucius’s words are especially telling. Older generations often lament “young people these days,” just as older generations have done in every era. Because the young grew up under different conditions, they possess different strengths: digital fluency, new values, and flexible thought. Respecting and encouraging their potential is a sign of a healthy society.
Questions to reflect on
- ·How do you regard generations younger than your own?
- ·What have you learned from a younger person?
- ·Do you offer encouragement to junior colleagues and young people?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 後 | hòu | after | 9 | 彳 (step) |
| 生 | shēng | emerge | 5 | 生 (life) |
| 可 | kě | right | 5 | 口 (mouth) |
| 畏 | wèi | fearful | 9 | 田 (field) |
| 焉 | yān | how | 11 | 火 (fire) |
| 知 | zhī | know | 8 | 矢 (arrow) |
| 來 | lái | come | 8 | 人 (person) |
| 者 | zhě | person | 8 | 老 (old) |
| 之 | zhī | possessive particle | 4 | 丿 (slash) |
| 不 | bù | not | 4 | 一 (one) |
| 如 | rú | same; like | 6 | 女 (woman) |
| 今 | jīn | now | 4 | 人 (person) |
| 也 | yě | grammatical particle | 3 | 乙 (second) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “The younger generation deserves our…” mean?
後生可畏 焉知來者之不如今也 (hòu shēng kě wèi, yān zhī lái zhě zhī bù rú jīn yě) means “The younger generation deserves our respect; how can we know that those to come will not equal those of today?” It comes from the Analects, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 23.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 9.23: Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 23.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
In a society marked by generational conflict, Confucius’s words are especially telling.Older generations often lament “young people these days,” just as older generations have done in every era.