Quote of the day by Mencius: 'Getting something done is like digging a well. You can dig a well but...'

Mencius, also known as Mengzi, was one of the most influential Chinese philosophers after Confucius. He lived during the Warring States period in ancient China, around the 4th century BCE. Mencius is regarded as a key figure in Confucian philosophy and played a major role in expanding and interpreting Confucius’s teachings. He strongly believed that human beings are inherently good and that moral character can be developed through discipline, education, and self-reflection. His teachings emphasized virtues such as righteousness, compassion, wisdom, and perseverance.

Through his writings, compiled in the book Mencius, he offered practical guidance on leadership, ethics, and personal growth. His well-digging analogy reflects his broader philosophy—that consistent effort guided by purpose leads to meaningful results.

Mencius' quote and its meaning

One of the most shared quotes of Mencius is: “Getting something done is like digging a well. You can dig a well seventy feet deep, but if you don’t hit water it’s just an abandoned well.”


This powerful quote by Mencius captures the essence of perseverance, completion, and meaningful effort. At its core, the statement reminds us that effort alone is not enough—what truly matters is seeing a task through to its successful conclusion. Digging seventy feet is undeniably hard work, but if the digger stops before reaching water, the effort ultimately fails to serve its purpose. The well remains useless, and all the labor invested loses its value. Through this simple yet vivid metaphor, Mencius highlights the importance of persistence and finishing what one starts.

The quote reflects a universal truth about human endeavors. Many people begin projects with enthusiasm, whether it is pursuing education, building a career, learning a skill, or chasing a dream. However, obstacles, fatigue, or impatience often cause individuals to abandon their efforts just before achieving success. Mencius warns against this tendency. He suggests that the difference between success and failure is often not talent or effort, but endurance. The person who continues digging, even when progress seems slow, is the one who eventually finds water.

Even today, Mencius’s words remain deeply relevant. In a fast-paced world where people often seek quick success, this quote serves as a reminder that real achievement requires patience and commitment. It encourages individuals to stay focused, push through challenges, and complete what they begin. After all, only those who keep digging will eventually reach the water.