Confucius supported learning. He said that scholarship and study was one way to find self-mastery. When speaking of government, Confucius put more emphasis on learning and intelligence than economic problems. Since Civil Service Exams were based on Confucius's teachings, they as well put more emphasis on learning. However, the tests glossed over subjects such as war and punishment, which are still necessary for the rulers of a government to know. Since government officials were chosen based on these tests, the government was very scholarly but ill equipped to deal with military and political problems.
"Learning without thought is labor lost, thought without learning is perilous." -Confucius |