Translation: (If) jade is not carved, (it) cannot be made into a vessel; If you don't study, you won't understand the truth. However, jade has eternal characteristics. Even if it is not made by cutting ink, it is still jade, and its characteristics will not be destroyed.

Human nature will change under the influence of external things. Therefore, if people don't study, they will lose the noble character of a gentleman and become villains with bad conduct. Isn't it worth pondering?

Extended data

Jade is not cut, not a tool; People don't learn or know. There is a common ideological logic between them-jade is beautiful and must be preserved naturally and polished to become a treasure; Human nature is good, we must respect our initial intentions and persist in education in order to embark on the right path.

Ouyang Xiu said in "On Teaching": "Jade is uncut and abrasive. People don't learn or know. However, jade is a thing that is unchangeable. Although it is not a tool, it still does no harm to jade. People's nature will be moved by things, and if they don't learn, they will abandon the gentleman and become villains. Don't worry about this. Although it emphasizes the importance of human learning, it inevitably divides people and jade into two, losing the profound meaning of the ancients.