锲而不舍 — “To persevere unremittingly”

During the late Warring States period, Xunzi (荀况), a renowned Chinese philosopher and educator, emphasized the importance of perseverance and steadfastness in his writings, particularly in his famous essay 'Exhortation to Learning' (劝学). The idiom '锲而不舍' literally means 'to engrave without ceasing,' illustrating that even the hardest materials like metal and stone can be carved through with continuous effort, much like fine carving ('镂刻').

In his philosophical views, Xunzi believed in the objective laws of natural development, rejected fatalism, and advocated for adapting to specific conditions and maximizing human talent. In 'Exhortation to Learning,' he eloquently expounded on his educational philosophies, which profoundly influenced later generations. He stressed the necessity of education and diligent study, stating that through effort, students could surpass their teachers ('青出于蓝，而胜于蓝').

To further illustrate the principle of sustained effort in learning, Xunzi used the metaphor of carving metal and stone. He wrote: '锲而舍之，朽木不折；锲而不舍，金石可镂。' This translates to: 'If one engraves and then abandons the task, even rotten wood cannot be broken; but if one engraves without ceasing, even metal and stone can be pierced.' This powerful analogy became the origin of the idiom '锲而不舍.'

Xunzi argued that acquiring knowledge is a cumulative process, emphasizing that profound wisdom is built up little by little. As the saying goes, 'Without accumulating small steps, one cannot reach a thousand li; without accumulating small streams, one cannot form a river or sea.' Therefore, persistent effort is essential for success in learning and in life.