Analects 9.30 · Zi Han
“Those with whom you can study may not be able to advance with you on the Way; those who can advance with you may not be able to stand firm with you.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
可與共學 未可與適道 可與適道 未可與立 (kě yǔ gòng xué, wèi kě yǔ shì dào, kě yǔ shì dào, wèi kě yǔ lì) means “Those with whom you can study may not be able to advance with you on the Way; those who can advance with you may not be able to stand firm with you.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 30.
可與共學 未可與適道 可與適道 未可與立
- Pinyin
- kě yǔ gòng xué, wèi kě yǔ shì dào, kě yǔ shì dào, wèi kě yǔ lì
- Translation
- Those with whom you can study may not be able to advance with you on the Way; those who can advance with you may not be able to stand firm with you.
- Source
- Analects, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 30
What does this passage mean?
This passage in the Zi Han chapter explains stages of deepening relationships. 共學 means learning together, 適道 advancing toward the Way, and 立 standing firmly. Confucius says that people who can study together may not be able to pursue the same Way, and those who pursue the same Way may not be able to stand at the same level. The passage continues, 可與立 未可與權—'Those with whom one can stand may still be unable to exercise judgment flexibly together'—thus presenting four stages of relationship.
How can we apply it today?
Even graduates of the same school, colleagues at the same company, or believers in the same religion may differ in depth and direction. This passage teaches that it is unrealistic to expect every relationship to have the same depth. Many people can study together, fewer can share the same values, and fewer still can stand together in a crisis. A realistic understanding of relational depth reduces needless expectation and disappointment.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Can I distinguish among people with whom I merely learn, those with whom I can walk the Way, and those with whom I can take a stand?
- ·Have I ever expected too much depth from a relationship?
- ·Who are my genuine companions?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 可 | kě | right | 5 | 口 (mouth) |
| 與 | yǔ | together with | 14 | 臼 (mortar) |
| 共 | gòng | together | 6 | 八 (eight) |
| 學 | xué | learn | 16 | 子 (child) |
| 未 | wèi | still | 5 | 木 (tree) |
| 可 | kě | right | 5 | 口 (mouth) |
| 與 | yǔ | together with | 14 | 臼 (mortar) |
| 適 | shì | go | 14 | 辵 (walk) |
| 道 | dào | the Way; road | 13 | 辵 (walk) |
| 可 | kě | right | 5 | 口 (mouth) |
| 與 | yǔ | together with | 14 | 臼 (mortar) |
| 適 | shì | go | 14 | 辵 (walk) |
| 道 | dào | the Way; road | 13 | 辵 (walk) |
| 未 | wèi | still | 5 | 木 (tree) |
| 可 | kě | right | 5 | 口 (mouth) |
| 與 | yǔ | together with | 14 | 臼 (mortar) |
| 立 | lì | stand | 5 | 立 (stand) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “Those with whom you can study may not be…” mean?
可與共學 未可與適道 可與適道 未可與立 (kě yǔ gòng xué, wèi kě yǔ shì dào, kě yǔ shì dào, wèi kě yǔ lì) means “Those with whom you can study may not be able to advance with you on the Way; those who can advance with you may not be able to stand firm with you.” It comes from the Analects, Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 30.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 9.30: Book 9 (Zi Han), Chapter 30.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
Even graduates of the same school, colleagues at the same company, or believers in the same religion may differ in depth and direction.