One should not instruct a student until he is anxious to learn; one should not give guidance to a student until he wants to express himself but does not know how. This term is an underlying principle of Confucius’ （551-479 BC） philosophy on education. It stresses the importance of keeping students motivated. The principle of guidance of teaching in contemporary educational theory originates from this concept.

Confucius said: “I do not instruct a disciple until he is anxious to learn; I do not give guidance to a disciple until he wants to express himself but does not know how. If I teach him one thing, yet he cannot draw inferences on three other related matters, there is no point in teaching him anymore.” (The Analects)