📖 Meaning
Not feeling ashamed to learn from people of lower status or lesser knowledge. It describes a humble attitude in which one readily seeks instruction from subordinates or those considered beneath oneself. The idiom is an older variant of the more common phrase 不耻下问.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from the 'Strategies of the Warring States' (战国策), specifically the Qi section (齐策四), a text compiled during the Warring States period documenting political strategies and diplomatic advice. In the original passage, it is stated that a worthy ruler should feel no shame in frequently asking questions and learning from those below him in rank. The text reads '是以君王无羞亟问，不媿下学,' meaning 'therefore the sovereign feels no embarrassment in asking repeatedly and does not feel ashamed to learn from inferiors.' This counsel was given to emphasize that humility and a willingness to learn from anyone is a virtue of good leadership.
💡 Example Usage
这位老教授一生不媿下学，经常向年轻学生请教新知识。
The elderly professor spent his whole life unashamed to learn from those below him, frequently seeking new knowledge from young students.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 不媿下学
- Pinyin: bù kuì xià xué
- Literal Translation: not, ashamed, below, learn
- Category: Learning
- Characters: 4