The Wisdom of Confucius: Inclusive Education and Lifelong Teaching
7·7 The Master said, “I have never failed to instruct anyone who has brought me a present of ten strings of dried meat.”
[Explanation]
(1) Shouxiu: Shouxiu, pronounced xiu, is dried meat. Shouxiu is ten strings of dried meat. Confucius required his students to bring ten pieces of dried meat as tuition when they first met. Later, the tuition that students gave to their teachers was called “shu xiu.”
Translation
Confucius said, “As long as someone voluntarily brings ten pieces of dried meat as a gift to see me, I have never failed to give him or her a lesson.”
Commentary
This passage from Confucius in this chapter shows his tireless spirit of teaching and reflects his educational philosophy of “teaching all without discrimination.” In the past, some people said that since ten bundles of dried meat were required as tuition, only children from families above the average could possibly attend school. The poor naturally could not afford to pay ten bundles of dried meat, so Confucius’s “education for all” was only lip service, and it was impossible to implement it in social practice. It is too idealistic and naive to use this reasoning to deny Confucius’s educational philosophy of “education for all.” In any society, it is probably quite difficult to achieve complete and thorough education for all, and this is due to the level of social and economic development.
Confucius, the revered Chinese philosopher, once said, “If a person brings a gift of ten strips of dried meat, I have never refused to teach them.” This statement, found in the Analects, highlights Confucius’s dedication to education and his belief in inclusive teaching.
The Meaning of “束脩”
In ancient China, “束脩” (shù xiū) referred to a gift of ten strips of dried meat, given as a token of respect and appreciation to a teacher. Confucius used this practice to symbolize the student’s commitment and the teacher’s readiness to impart knowledge. It wasn’t just a fee; it was a gesture of mutual respect in the student-teacher relationship.
Confucius’s Teaching Philosophy
Confucius’s statement reflects his unwavering commitment to education and his principle of “有教无类” (yǒu jiào wú lèi), which translates to “education for all, without discrimination.” This philosophy emphasizes that anyone willing to learn, regardless of their social or economic background, should have access to education. In Confucius’s time, education was often a privilege of the wealthy, but his ideals challenged this norm, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
Misinterpretations and Modern Relevance
Critics have argued that requiring a gift of ten strips of dried meat excludes the poor, suggesting that Confucius’s inclusive education was not truly attainable. However, this critique misses the broader context of his teachings. The gesture of “束脩” was a customary token, not a rigid barrier. Confucius’s principle of inclusive education transcended material requirements, aiming to cultivate a society where knowledge was accessible to all.
In today’s world, Confucius’s philosophy remains relevant. Modern education systems strive to provide equal opportunities for students from all backgrounds. The emphasis on inclusivity and lifelong learning echoes Confucius’s timeless wisdom. Educators today continue to embody his spirit by fostering environments where every student has the chance to succeed, regardless of their socioeconomic status.
The Legacy of Confucian Education
Confucius’s commitment to teaching anyone willing to learn has left a lasting legacy. His emphasis on moral integrity, respect, and lifelong learning continues to inspire educators and students around the world. By understanding and appreciating these principles, we can create more inclusive and equitable educational systems.