On the shoreless sea of learning, suffering is the boat — there is no shortcut.
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history
The pair of 书山有路勤为径，学海无涯苦作舟, traditionally attributed to Han Yu (韩愈, Tang dynasty). The couplet has been the standard Chinese school motto for generations, inscribed above classroom doorways, on calligraphy scrolls, and in graduation speeches.
usage
Almost always quoted with its twin 书山有路勤为径 (previous entry). 苦 here is a noun/adverb ('hardship/suffering') used as the means of travel, 作 = 'to make/serve as', 舟 = 'boat'.
