Analects 9.30

Original Text:

子曰可与共学未可与适道可与适道未可与立可与立未可与权

Translation:

Other Translations:

The Master said, “Just because someone is able to learn with you does not necessarily mean that they can travel the Way in your company; just because they can travel the Way in your company does not necessarily mean that they can take their place alongside you; just because they can take their place alongside you does not necessarily mean that they can join you in employing discretion.”

Confucius, & Slingerland, E. (2003). Analects: With selections from traditional commentaries. Hackett Publishing.

The Master said, You may study alongside a person but can’t agree with him how to pursue the Way. You may pursue the Way with him but can’t agree where to take your stand. You may agree where to take your stand but not how to adapt to circumstances.

Confucius, & Watson, B. (2007). The Analects of Confucius. Columbia University Press.