One of the oldest writings on education anywhere, probably from the late Warring States period. It argues that learning needs teachers and friends, describes a school system with examinations every other year, and holds
玉不琢,
不成器;
人不学,
不知道 'uncut jade makes no vessel; a person who does not learn does not know the Way'. School textbooks print an excerpt under the title 《
虽有嘉肴》.