Searching for Wisdom: What does the Chinese proverb that suggests reading 10,000 books mean

By Tychyna TetianaOct 3, 2023 07:39 AMNews
Share:
Searching for Wisdom: What does the Chinese proverb that suggests reading 10,000 books mean
A girl reading a book. Source: Freepic

A popular Chinese proverb from the work of Dong Qichang evokes different opinions among philosophers. It is a saying that first appeared in Notes from the Studio of Painting and Meditation.

The proverb reads: "du wanjuan shu", "xing wanli lu", which literally translates as "to read ten thousand books and travel ten thousand miles". Shine.cn tried to explain what exactly the author meant.

What is known about the author of this work. He was a famous artist, calligrapher, and politician in the last years of the Ming Dynasty. Dong Qichang was born in 1555 and died in 1636.

The artist's statement makes us think to this day. Dong's thought du wanjuan shu, buru xing wanli lu, or "traveling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books," includes a call for constant learning and active use of the acquired knowledge in practice to broaden one's horizons. This approach reflects the ideal of Chinese scholars.

In more recent times, some individuals have distorted this principle by arguing that traveling long distances has a higher priority than reading books. This interpretation emphasizes that real-life experience is much more valuable and important than knowledge that can be gained from books.

This proverb may also indicate that gaining life experience and the ability to solve real-world problems can be more valuable than reading a lot of theoretical materials. It emphasizes the importance of practical experience and skills that can be acquired in real-life situations, especially when traveling and exploring.

It should be noted that this concept is not exclusive to Chinese culture. In Western countries, there were also similar reflections, for example, by the philosopher Augustine and the millionaire David Rockefeller.

All of these sayings clearly intertwine into one common feeling: by opening up new horizons and experiencing the diversity of the world and its inhabitants, traveling provides the same important learning and unique fire of discovery as reading the most sophisticated literary masterpieces.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
A man shouting into a megaphone during a protest with a crowd in the background

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM
Bridge and colorful buildings in central Copenhagen near the canal

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM
KLM aircraft preparing for takeoff on a clear day

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM
A steam train crossing a small stone bridge through a green countryside valley, releasing white smoke

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM
Croatia Airlines aircraft in flight against a clear sky

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM
Covered outdoor area at Munich Airport

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM
Etihad Airways aircraft in flight against a clear blue sky

New Etihad Route Links Atlanta to Abu Dhabi Without Stopovers

Jul 3, 2025 23:21 PM

Scandinavians Gain Direct Winter Flights to Phuket for Faster Access to Thailand’s Beaches

Jul 3, 2025 21:47 PM

Train Disruptions and Upgrades on the Naples Bari Line Affect Travelers

Jul 3, 2025 20:34 PM
Modern hotel room with large bed and natural light

Three New Hotels to Open in Calgary’s Event District by 2030

Jul 3, 2025 18:23 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear sky

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM
Qatar Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear blue sky

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM
Modern hotel room with stylish neutral decor and soft lighting

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM
Lufthansa airplane approaching for landing

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM
Modern hotel room with white bedding and sculptural wooden wall design

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM