The teacher demands that we 'study broadly and hold firm' — we can't just memorize.
Tips
history
From 《论语·子张》(Analects, Zizhang 19:6), quoted from 子夏 (Zixia, Confucius' disciple): 博学而笃志，切问而近思，仁在其中矣 (Study broadly and hold to your resolve, question earnestly and think close at hand — humaneness lies within this). Famously adopted as the motto of 复旦大学 (Fudan University, established 1905) and many other Chinese schools.
usage
Always quoted together with 切问而近思 as the full four-phrase motto. 而 = and (classical conjunction). 笃 (dǔ) = firm, sincere, committed — not 'thick.' 志 here = resolve, direction of will. The phrase prescribes a balance: breadth *and* depth.
