Etiquette (li) demands that the pupil come to study, not that the master go to teach.

Mêng, Prince of Ch’ang, wishing to study under Min-tzŭ, sent his carriage to go meet him. Min-tzŭ said, "Etiquette (li) demands that the pupil come to study, not that the master go to teach. If you study by having your teacher come to you, you will be unable to learn. If I go to teach you, I will be unable to influence you. Where you would say you were unable to learn if I do not go, I would say I would be unable to influence you if I did go."

Mêng Prince of Ch’ang then said, "I respectfully obey your command." Next day, lifting up his robe and hastily taking a low seat, he asked to receive instruction. The Ode says,

By daily progress and monthly advance.

孟尝君请学于闵子；使车往迎闵子。闵子曰：“礼有来学，而无往教。致师而学，不能学；往教，则不能化君也。君所谓不能学者也，臣所谓不能化者也。”于是孟尝君曰：“敬闻命矣。”明日、袪衣请受业。《诗》曰：“日就月将。”

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