During the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC) a senior official of the Wei State called Kong Yu was very modest but keen to learn.
After Kong Yu died, the King of the Wei State conferred the title “Wen (civilization)” upon him. Subsequently, people called him “Kong Wenzi” as a mark of respect.
Confucius (511 BC-479 BC) was a well-known philosopher, who had many students.
One student of his, called Zigong, was also a citizen of the Wei State. He thought that Kong Yu wasn’t worthy of the high appraisement bestowed uopn him by the people.
One day, Zigong asked Confucius, “Why has the King of the Wei State conferred the title of Wen upon Kong Yu?”
Confucius answered, “Kong Yu was quick-minded and eager to learn and often consulted the people in a lower position and never felt ashamed to do so, so he was granted with this title.”
After hearing that, Zigong was convinced and thought Kong Yu was worthy of the title.
This idiom is from TheAnalects: GongyeChang, which states, “Quick-minded and eager to learn, he is never ashamed to consult his inferiors.” It is often used to describe humility and a sense of curiousity.
