English Original
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.
中文翻译
弈秋是全国最著名的棋手。有一次，他教两个人下棋。其中一人全神贯注于弈秋的教导，专心致志地听讲。另一人虽然看似在听，心思却早已飘向别处。事实上，他正在幻想一只天鹅朝他飞来，而他手持弓箭，准备射击。结果，尽管两人上的是同样的课，后者却成了一个差得多的学生。
学习任何技艺，如果不能一心一意、专心致志，就无法掌握。