Knowledge gained from others is rarely of sufficient quality. Knowledge itself is not a static constant; it is ever-changing. The true essence of learning can only be mastered through one’s own research and insight.
Given the same textbooks, why is it that some students go on to become top scholars or third-place winners, while others remain mere Licentiates their entire lives? Is the difference truly a lack of diligence or hard work? Certainly not. Ultimately, it boils down to the difference between rote memorization and true understanding.
The former type of student seems studious—whenever they don't understand something, they run to their teacher. When the teacher explains it, they think they grasp it, but they are only grasping superficialities. They fail to master the deeper layers of knowledge and cannot apply what they have learned to other contexts. Such individuals, no matter how hard they study, will only ever achieve limited success.
Chapter 52