"Approaching the Start of Civil ExamsPerhaps I was once a young Chinese schola..." - Jim Chapson

Approaching the Start of Civil ExamsPerhaps I was once a young Chinese scholarapproaching the start of civil exams,my mind grown weary and sad from seclusionwith books on syntax and poetic style.All that I knew were the mist-covered mountainsand sweet white blossoms of mountain applesthat grew in the valleys of my province.But I had been gone over six yearsbusy with studies in the Heavenly Cityempty and thin despite my work.I showed my verses to an older poetwho told me a truth I longed to believe:all knowledge is futile and barrenwhich does not open the love of your friends.

— Jim Chapson

barren blossoms books busy chinese friendship futile knowledge love mist mountains poet poetic sad scholar seclusion style sweet syntax truth verses weary work

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About This Quote

Themes

Friendship — Celebrating the bonds of loyalty, trust, and companionship
Knowledge — The pursuit of learning, understanding, and intellectual growth
Love — Quotes exploring romantic love, compassion, and human connection
Truth — Meditations on honesty, authenticity, and the search for truth
Work — The value of effort, discipline, and meaningful labour

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