The expression, which comes from The Analects, means only recording the ideas of ancient scholars without writing one’s own views. It represents the Confucian (551-479 BC) attitude towards the views of ancient scholars: by recording them, one showed respect for such views and aimed to pass them down. But one could also express one’s own views in the course of recording through choice of quotes depending on one’s own need or interpretation.

Confucius said, “I record the views of ancient scholars but do not write my own opinions, because I believe in and revere such views. I have learned this approach from Laopeng.” (The Analects)