Confucius and Career Confidence: Learning Before Leading

5-6 The son made the lacquer carving open (1) Shi. He said to him, “I have failed to believe in my S.” The son said (2).

[Commentary

(1) Lacquer Diao Kai: Surname Lacquer Diao name Kai, word Zi Kai, a word Zi Ruo, born in 540 BC, disciple of Confucius.

(2) Say: yuè, the same as “Yue”.

[Translation

Confucius asked Lac Diao Kai to become an official. Lac Diao Kai replied, “I don’t have confidence in the matter of being an official yet.” Confucius was very happy to hear this.

Commentary

Confucius’s education policy was “to learn and to excel”, to learn knowledge, to become an official, he often instilled in his students the idea of studying and becoming an official, and encouraged and recommended them to become officials. Confucius let his student Chikou Kai to be an official, but Chikou Kai feel that has not yet reached the degree of “learning and excellence”, eager to be an official is not sure, he wanted to continue to learn the rituals, later to be an official, so Confucius is very happy.

One of his core educational philosophies was “learning leads to officialdom” (学而优则仕). He believed that acquiring knowledge should naturally lead to taking up responsibilities in governance. This philosophy encouraged his students to excel in their studies and aspire to become public officials, contributing positively to society.

In one particular instance, Confucius asked his disciple, Qidiǎo Kāi (漆雕开), to take up an official position. Qidiǎo Kāi, born in 540 BC and a dedicated student of Confucius, responded with humility and introspection. He said, “I don’t yet have confidence in my ability to serve as an official.” This response pleased Confucius greatly.

To understand why Confucius was pleased, it is essential to delve into the deeper implications of this interaction. Confucius’s happiness was not due to Qidiǎo Kāi’s refusal to take up the post but rather because of his self-awareness and desire for further learning. Qidiǎo Kāi felt that he had not yet reached the level of excellence in his studies required for such a significant role. He recognized the importance of continuous learning and mastering the necessary skills before taking on the responsibilities of governance.

Confucius’s reaction underscores a critical aspect of his teachings: the value of self-assessment and lifelong learning. By encouraging his students to be aware of their limitations and to seek continual improvement, Confucius fostered a culture of humility and dedication to personal growth. This approach contrasts with a more superficial pursuit of titles and positions, emphasizing substance over form.

In today’s context, Confucius’s teachings remain relevant. The concept of “learning before leading” is a valuable lesson for anyone aspiring to positions of responsibility. It reminds us that true confidence and competence come from a solid foundation of knowledge and self-awareness. In a world where the rush to achieve quick success is prevalent, the wisdom of taking the time to learn, grow, and fully prepare oneself is timeless.

Moreover, this philosophy encourages us to view education not just as a means to an end but as an ongoing process. Whether in business, politics, or any other field, the emphasis on continuous learning and improvement can lead to more effective and ethical leadership.

Qidiǎo Kāi’s story is a testament to the enduring wisdom of Confucius. It teaches us that the journey to becoming a capable leader is not about immediate results but about the dedication to mastering one’s craft and understanding one’s capabilities. By embracing this mindset, we can cultivate a generation of leaders who are both knowledgeable and self-aware, ready to take on challenges with confidence and integrity.