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
Top-rated resorts with bungalows over the water: top 14 places for a paradise vacation

Top-rated resorts with bungalows over the water: top 14 places for a paradise vacation

Dec 1, 2023 18:25 PM
Top 5 Montana resorts that combine luxury vacations and wilderness adventure

Top 5 Montana resorts that combine luxury vacations and wilderness adventure

Dec 1, 2023 13:16 PM

Best resort hotels in the Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda: top 13 hideaways amidst lush nature for exclusive paradise vacations

Nov 30, 2023 21:55 PM

Spa resorts in New Jersey: 10 places for full relaxation and rejuvenation

Nov 30, 2023 17:17 PM
More News
Flight attendants of American Airlines were not allowed to strike during the Christmas and New Year holidays

Flight attendants of American Airlines were not allowed to strike during the Christmas and New Year holidays

Dec 1, 2023 23:41 PM
Stray cats in Puerto Rico near a famous tourist attraction are targeted for capture, but animal rights activists are not thrilled

Stray cats in Puerto Rico near a famous tourist attraction are targeted for capture, but animal rights activists are not thrilled

Dec 1, 2023 23:29 PM

Travel Tuesday: an expert advised on how not to miss discounts and advantageous offers

Dec 1, 2023 23:08 PM

What is most often stolen in five-star hotels: it's not cosmetics

Dec 1, 2023 22:08 PM
Lufthansa plane made an unexpected landing due to a couple's quarrel on the board

Lufthansa plane made an unexpected landing due to a couple's quarrel on the board

Dec 1, 2023 21:43 PM
Economic crisis: why tourists aren't returning to China and who benefits from it

Economic crisis: why tourists aren't returning to China and who benefits from it

Dec 1, 2023 21:22 PM
Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin

Why you shouldn't take a hot shower after a flight and why you shouldn't bathe before a trip: when and how to cleanse your skin

Dec 1, 2023 20:53 PM
The new projects of Saudi Arabia are impressive

The world's tallest skyscrapers and snow in the desert: how the craziest projects of Saudi Arabia look

Dec 1, 2023 20:41 PM
Dubai Airport is preparing for the 'busiest winter in its history': tips for passengers

Dubai Airport is preparing for the 'busiest winter in its history': tips for passengers

Dec 1, 2023 20:26 PM

One of the rarest mammals in the world was born in England. Photo

Dec 1, 2023 19:32 PM

Malaysia will allow a 30-day visa-free regime for Indian visitors from December 1

Dec 1, 2023 19:18 PM
A journey through time in a few minutes from Liverpool: how the village of Downham attracts tourists to itself

A journey through time in a few minutes from Liverpool: how the village of Downham attracts tourists to itself

Dec 1, 2023 18:59 PM
Sunny beaches, lively parties, and affordable prices: why Phuket continues to attract tourists

Sunny beaches, lively parties, and affordable prices: why Phuket continues to attract tourists

Dec 1, 2023 17:56 PM
Unwanted neighbors: what you need to know about bedbugs to avoid ruining your vacation

Unwanted neighbors: what you need to know about bedbugs to avoid ruining your vacation

Dec 1, 2023 17:34 PM
Cruise liner or "all-inclusive": 7 tips to help you determine the best option for your trip

Cruise liner or "all-inclusive": 7 tips to help you determine the best option for your trip

Dec 1, 2023 17:18 PM

The train connecting Madrid to Lisbon may make a comeback: it was canceled in 2020

Dec 1, 2023 16:54 PM

The Minnesota National Park has made it to the top 50 best travel destinations in 2024

Dec 1, 2023 16:33 PM
The British airport has announced the cancellation of restrictions on 100 ml of liquids in carry-on baggage

The British airport has announced the cancellation of restrictions on 100 ml of liquids in carry-on baggage

Dec 1, 2023 16:14 PM
In Vietnam, Louis Vuitton plans to launch a luxury train along the North-South route

In Vietnam, Louis Vuitton plans to launch a luxury train along the North-South route

Dec 1, 2023 15:59 PM
The opening date of the new airport in the capital of Greenland has been announced

The opening date of the new airport in the capital of Greenland has been announced

Dec 1, 2023 14:29 PM
Two accidents occurred at Tanzania's airport with a 6-hour difference: planes of the same airline went out of order

Two accidents occurred at Tanzania's airport with a 6-hour difference: planes of the same airline went out of order

Dec 1, 2023 13:51 PM
Most walkable city, where landmarks are within a 10-minute walk of each other have been named

Most walkable city, where landmarks are within a 10-minute walk of each other have been named

Dec 1, 2023 13:31 PM

Experts have outlined the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Disney World in December

Dec 1, 2023 12:51 PM

She pushed me in the back for reclining the seat: a loud quarrel broke out on board the plane. Video

Dec 1, 2023 12:35 PM
Illustrative photo

Passenger with children wins court case against American Airlines AAL and receives compensation

Dec 1, 2023 12:16 PM
HondaJet Echelon

Honda is building the world's first light private jet that can fly from New York to Los Angeles non-stop

Dec 1, 2023 11:47 AM