Learning is the bow, while competence is the arrow.

This quotation comes from Xu Shi Pin (Sequel to Discourses on Poetry) by Yuan Mei (1716-1797), a poet and critic of the Qing Dynasty. With this, Yuan meant that the foundation of learning is like a bow, while competence is like an arrow; only with rich knowledge can one give full play to one's competence and hit the target.

One needs to acquire extensive knowledge to better fulfill assignments, as knowledge will directly influence one's understanding of other's works and the quality of the works of one's own.

When speaking to outstanding young representatives from all walks of life in May 2013, Xi Jinping pointed out, "The qualities and competence of young people will have a direct influence on the course of realizing the Chinese Dream. There is an ancient Chinese saying, 'Learning is the bow, while competence is the arrow.' This means that the foundation of learning is like a bow, while competence is like an arrow; only with rich knowledge can one give full play to one's competence. Young people are in the prime time of learning. You should regard learning as a top priority, a responsibility, a moral support and a lifestyle. You should establish a conviction that dreams start from learning and career success depends on competence. You should make assiduous learning a driving force and competence building a resource for your youthful endeavors."

學如弓弩，才如箭鏃

“學如弓弩，才如箭鏃”，出自清代詩論家袁枚的《續詩品·尚識》，大意是學識像弓弩，才能如箭頭，學識決定才能，正如弓弩引導箭頭射出，才會命中靶心。無論閱讀別人的作品，還是自己從事創作，學識的高低與深淺，都會直接影響到欣賞水平或創作效果。因此，我們在日常學習中，也需要錘煉出扎實豐厚的學識，這樣才能更好地利用自己的才干完成工作目標。

2013年5月，習近平在同各界優秀青年代表座談時的講話中指出，“青年的素質和本領直接影響著實現中國夢的進程。古人說：‘學如弓弩，才如箭鏃。’說的是學問的根基就好比是弓弩，才能就好比是箭頭，只要依靠厚實的見識來引導，就可以讓才能更好地發揮作用。青年人正處于學習的黃金時期，應該把學習作為首要任務，作為一種責任、一種精神追求、一種生活方式，樹立夢想從學習開始、事業靠本領成就的觀念，讓勤奮學習成為青春遠航的動力，讓增長本領成為青春搏擊的能量。”