"Live till old age, learn till old age"
活到老, 学到老
(Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo)
The Chinese idiom 活到老, 学到老 (Huó dào lǎo, xué dào lǎo) translates to “Live till old age, learn till old age,” or simply “Live and learn.” It emphasizes that learning is a lifelong process and that one should continue acquiring knowledge and skills throughout their life, no matter their age. This idiom encourages curiosity, humility, and a commitment to personal growth.
Meaning and Interpretation
The phrase consists of two parts:
- 活到老 (Huó dào lǎo): "Live till old age." This highlights the duration of life.
- 学到老 (Xué dào lǎo): "Learn till old age." This encourages continuous learning throughout one's life.
The idiom stresses that no matter how old we get or how much we think we know, there is always something new to learn. It suggests that wisdom is not just about knowledge, but about the willingness to keep growing and improving over time.
Cultural Context
Among any three people walking together, there is always something I can learn from them.
This idiom is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values, particularly those associated with Confucianism. Confucius famously placed a high value on education and self-improvement. In The Analects (论语), Confucius expresses that one should be willing to learn from everyone and everything, regardless of their status or age. He also said: "三人行, 必有我师焉" "Among any three people walking together, there is always something I can learn from them."
This reflects the same spirit as it promotes the idea of constant learning and the humility to recognize that everyone has something valuable to teach.
In Daoism, the emphasis on simplicity and naturalness can also tie into this idiom. Daoists value the pursuit of wisdom through observing the natural world and staying open to new experiences, reinforcing the idea that life itself is the ultimate teacher. The Daoist approach to learning is more organic and less structured, but the principle of lifelong learning resonates with both Daoist and Confucian thought.
Relevance in Modern Times
In today’s fast-changing world, the idiom “Live and learn” is more relevant than ever. With advances in technology, shifting social landscapes, and evolving career fields, the ability to keep learning is not just a virtue but a necessity. Whether it’s acquiring new professional skills, staying up-to-date with developments in one’s industry, or learning new hobbies later in life, the idiom reminds us that we are never too old to learn something new.
Beyond formal education, this idiom also applies to life experiences. Learning doesn’t only happen in the classroom—it’s a process that continues through daily interactions, personal challenges, and self-reflection. As people age, they accumulate not just knowledge but wisdom, drawing from life’s lessons.
In an era where older generations are sometimes viewed as less adaptable or slower to embrace new technology, this idiom challenges those stereotypes by asserting that the ability to learn never stops with age.
Our Lesson: “Live and learn” serves as a timeless reminder that learning is a lifelong journey. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, gaining deeper insights, or simply learning from our everyday experiences, this idiom encourages us to remain open-minded and eager to grow, no matter how old we are. It embodies the values of curiosity, humility, and the endless pursuit of knowledge—a principle that enriches life at every stage.
