Yi Qiu was renowned as the most famous chess master in the land. Once, he taught chess to two students. One was completely absorbed in the lesson, listening attentively to Yi Qiu. The other, while appearing to listen, let his mind wander. In fact, he was daydreaming that a swan was flying toward him and he held a bow and arrow, ready to shoot. Consequently, although both received the same instruction, the second student turned out to be a much inferior pupil.
If one does not devote single-hearted attention to learning, no skill can be mastered.