Young people should not be underestimated — they have the potential to surpass their elders. It is both a warning to older people and a compliment to youth.
This saying comes from Confucius's Analects. Confucius used it to remind adults that youth are full of energy and potential, and that age alone does not guarantee superiority.
In a culture that traditionally respects elders, this saying serves as a counterbalance — it reminds people to stay humble and open-minded, and to encourage rather than dismiss the young.
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
🎴 Play Chinese Wisdom Cards