Confucius' methods of study as well as of observation and analysis

Do you know Confucius' methods of study as well as of observation and analysis? Amazingly, even measured by today's standards, they also conform to objective laws of learning.

Confucius advanced four methods of study:

1. more questions and observations;

2. learning from others whenever and wherever possible;

3. a combination of learning and thinking; and

4. being honest, and no concealing of ignorance concerning any problem.

In terms of observation and analysis, one should:

1. keep a critical and cautious attitude;

2. correct mistakes on the basis of analysis;

3. investigate in an all-round way, and judge a person on the basis of not only what he says but also what he does.