Analects 1.4 · Xue Er
“Each day I examine myself on three counts.”
Meaning, context, and how to apply it today
吾日三省吾身 (wú rì sān xǐng wú shēn) means “Each day I examine myself on three counts.” It is a passage from the Analects of Confucius, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 4.
吾日三省吾身
- Pinyin
- wú rì sān xǐng wú shēn
- Translation
- Each day I examine myself on three counts.
- Source
- Analects, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 4
What does this passage mean?
These words were spoken by Zengzi, a disciple of Confucius. His three examinations asked whether he had been fully loyal when acting for others, trustworthy in his dealings with friends, and diligent in practicing what his teacher had taught him. The number three names those specific questions but can also suggest repeated examination. Zengzi was one of Confucius’s central disciples and was renowned for filial devotion and sincerity.
How can we apply it today?
For busy people, self-examination can feel like a luxury. Yet the habit of reviewing one’s day is also recognized in psychology as a powerful instrument of personal growth. In modern terms, Zengzi’s questions might be: Did I give my best to the work entrusted to me today? Was I sincere with the people around me? Did I make an effort to learn and grow? Investing only five minutes before sleep each night can reveal a noticeably different self after a month.
Questions to reflect on
- ·Do you have a habit of reviewing your day?
- ·Where did you fall short today?
- ·Can you distinguish honest reflection from self-reproach?
Character-by-character breakdown
| Character | Pinyin | Meaning | Strokes | Radical |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 吾 | wú | I; me | 7 | 口 (mouth) |
| 日 | rì | day | 4 | 日 (sun) |
| 三 | sān | three | 3 | 一 (one) |
| 省 | xǐng | examine | 9 | 目 (eye) |
| 吾 | wú | I; me | 7 | 口 (mouth) |
| 身 | shēn | body | 7 | 身 (body) |
Frequently asked questions
Q. What does “Each day I examine myself on three counts” mean?
吾日三省吾身 (wú rì sān xǐng wú shēn) means “Each day I examine myself on three counts.” It comes from the Analects, Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 4.
Q. Where does this passage appear in the Analects?
It is Analects 1.4: Book 1 (Xue Er), Chapter 4.
Q. How can this teaching be applied today?
For busy people, self-examination can feel like a luxury.Yet the habit of reviewing one’s day is also recognized in psychology as a powerful instrument of personal growth.