不耻下问

To be humble enough to learn from those below oneself.

《论语》

"Not Being Ashamed to Ask and Learn from One's Inferiors" comes from The Analects, Book of Gongye Chang. The original text reads, "He was quick and eager to learn; he did not feel ashamed to ask and learn from his inferiors," which was Confucius's evaluation of Kong Yu (Kong Wenzi), a minister of the State of Wei. The core meaning of this idiom is: not feeling ashamed to seek advice from those whose status is lower than one's own or whose knowledge is shallower than one's own, describing a person who is modest and eager to learn without putting on airs. Its deeper meaning lies in breaking down barriers of identity and status, emphasizing that everyone is equal before the pursuit of knowledge, and that truly wise people will not refuse to learn from others out of concern for face. It is mostly used to praise someone for being modest and eager to learn, especially when a leader, elder, or expert seeks advice from a junior, subordinate, or ordinary person. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the Confucian scholarly spirit of "there is no fixed teacher in learning" and "among any three people walking, I will find something to learn from them," as well as the moral cultivation of humility and pragmatism. Its emotional tone is commendatory, carrying a sense of admiration and affirmation. In modern society, it encourages people to set aside vanity and take the initiative to learn from others. Regardless of the other person's status, as long as they have a specialized skill or genuine insight, they are worth consulting.

1. As the company president, he often consults frontline employees about technical details without feeling ashamed to ask those below him, and this humble attitude has won everyone's respect. 2. Academic research requires the spirit of not being ashamed to ask those below oneself; even senior professors should learn new methods from young scholars.