Editor's Note: The Analects, a collection of Confucius' sayings from over 2,000 years ago, still has significant influence on the Chinese way of thinking and the cultural values in modern times. The book's philosophical passages are increasingly quoted by officials and dignitaries from around the world. We share some of examples in this series as follow to celebrate the 8th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, which will be held from Sept 26 to 28 in Qufu, a county-level city in Jining, East China's Shandong province. 

Isn't it a pleasure to study and practice what you have learned?

学而时习之，不亦乐乎

This saying from Book 1 of The Analects is an integral part of Confucianism.

Confucius pointed out that learning is enjoyable, saying that the process of learning and review is pleasurable. The thought also encourages lifelong learning in modern times. 

This saying of "学而时习之，不亦乐乎" was once cited by Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia. Medvedev, the then-president of Russia, expressed the saying while praising China's unremitting efforts in boosting education and fostering talent in his speech at Peking University in Beijing on May 25, 2008.

He also pointed out that Confucianism is the foundation of Chinese society. The will of Confucianism has ensured its uninterrupted development, which has created a strong cultural Chinese tradition.

File photo: Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, the then-president of Russia, delivers a speech at Peking University in Beijing on May 25, 2008. [Photo/ People's Daily Online]