Confucius Says

Learning without thought is labor lost,
A popular cost of today’s values –
Thought without learning is perilous.

It seems we’re all deceived, so jealous
Of what someone else has, not wanting to pay the same dues;
Learning without thought is labor lost.

The paper means less than it should, its surface worth false,
But better to have it, that background to use;
Thought without learning is perilous.

Naïve, led by the hand; know only what’s taught,
We might recite the words, but not the tune.
Learning without thought is labor lost.

Biased by ignorant beliefs, we’ve fought,
For everything heard and nothing true:
Thought without learning is perilous.

You are me and I am you; adrift but caught,
In a web of lies, confusion and refuse.
Learning without thought is labor lost;
Thought without learning is perilous.

–Jessie Gutierrez

Poet’s note: The italicized above is a quote by Confucius, used as inspiration when musing on thought.