In ancient China, 40-year-old people were not confused because of ignorance, and they had the necessary grasp and understanding of life. It also means that a 40-year-old person has nothing to worry about and doubt.
From the Analects of Confucius, Confucius said: "I am determined to learn five out of ten, stand at thirty, be not confused at forty, know my destiny at fifty, listen to my ears at sixty, and do what I want at seventy, without overstepping the bounds."
Interpretation of vernacular Chinese: Confucius said: "At the age of fifteen, I am determined to study, at the age of thirty, I will stand firm in my life, and at the age of forty, I will no longer be confused. At the age of fifty, I knew the fate arranged by God. When I was sixty, I could tell right from wrong when I heard what others said. At the age of seventy, I can talk and do what I want without overstepping the bounds. "
In this chapter, Confucius expounds that the process of moral cultivation lies in continuous progress and perfection. When describing his life experience, he realized that moral cultivation could not be achieved overnight, nor could it be completed at once. It takes a long time to study and exercise, and there is a gradual process.
Moreover, the highest state of morality is the unity of thought and words and deeds, and it is voluntary to abide by moral norms from the heart, rather than reluctantly doing it against one's will. In addition, Confucius' experience of being a man and doing things is also for future generations to learn from and point out the correct training methods.
"Nine times out of ten, I am determined to learn" means that Confucius was determined to learn at the age of fifteen. At that time, men became adults at the age of fifteen, which was also the beginning of people's understanding. Moreover, between the ages of fifteen and thirty, it is the golden age for people to acquire knowledge. At this time, it is also a good choice to be determined to study.
Standing at the age of 30 has been honed for 15 years, and it is not until the age of 30 that it is considered a little achievement. In the eyes of Confucius, when he was twenty years old, he still belonged to the stage of "no courtesy, no patience". It was not until I was thirty years old that I learned manners and independence. In other words, after fifteen years' study, he has made clear his outlook on life and understood the truth of being a man and the code of conduct for settling down.