With an application which is eminently praiseworthy, even if its object be not, he sets to work to steep himself in the classics till he can perceive no merit in anything else.

As might be suspected, he ends by discovering in the sayings of the past more meaning than the simple past ever dreamed of putting there.

He becomes more Confucian than Confucius.

Indeed, it is fortunate for the reputation of the sage that he cannot return to earth, for he might disagree to his detriment with his own commentators.
Such is the state of things in China and Korea.

Learning, however, is not dependent solely on individual interest for its wonderfully flourishing condition in the Middle Kingdom, for the government abets the practice to its utmost.