A man who
Treats his betters as betters,
Wears an air of respect,
Who into serving father and mother
Knows how to put his whole strength,
Who in the service of his prince will lay down his life,
Who in intercourse with friends is true to his word—others may say of him that he still lacks education, but I for my part should certainly call him an educated man.

This passage reflects Confucius’s teaching in the Analects, where he repeatedly redefines “learning” (xue) and “education” away from mere bookish accomplishment and toward cultivated moral conduct within relationships. In the late Zhou dynasty context, Confucius emphasized social harmony through ritual propriety and ethical roles: respect for superiors, filial devotion to parents, loyalty in public service, and trustworthiness among friends. The lines fit the Analects’ recurring concern that a person may be dismissed as “unlearned” by conventional standards, yet still embody true cultivation through practiced virtue and dependable behavior in everyday duties.

The quote argues that genuine education is ethical formation rather than accumulation of technical knowledge. Confucius lists core relational virtues—deference to those of higher standing, filial piety, loyalty in service, and fidelity to one’s word—as the marks of a truly “educated” person. The implicit critique is of reputational or credentialed learning that lacks character: others may judge by formal attainment, but Confucius judges by conduct. The passage also underscores the Confucian idea that moral excellence is demonstrated in concrete roles (child, subject, friend) and that social order depends on trustworthy, respectful performance of these obligations.