My attempt to delve into Chinese philosophy has brought me to Xunzi. Only the last sentence is short enough to be a quote on its own, but I feel it is strengthened by the paragraph leading to it so much that I have to quote the whole paragraph (which I’ve separated into multiple paragraphs for readability):
I once spent the whole day pondering, but it was not as good as a moment’s worth of learning.
I once stood on my toes to look far away, but it was not as good as the broad view from a high place.
If you climb to a high place and wave, you have not lengthened your arms, but you can be seen from further away.
If you shout from upwind, you have not made your voice stronger, but you can be heard more clearly.
One who makes use of a chariot and horses has not thereby improved his feet, but he can now go a thousand li.
One who makes use of a boat and oars has not thereby become able to swim, but he can now cross rivers and streams.
The gentleman is exceptional not by birth, but rather by being good at making use of things.
My attempt to delve into Chinese philosophy has brought me to Xunzi. Only the last sentence is short enough to be a quote on its own, but I feel it is strengthened by the paragraph leading to it so much that I have to quote the whole paragraph (which I’ve separated into multiple paragraphs for readability):