A jade stone is useless before it is processed; a man is good-for-nothing until he is educated

Similar sayings:

Man must be sharpened on man, like knife on stone Man must be sharpened on man, like knife on stone
Customers are jade; merchandise is grass Customers are jade; merchandise is grass
The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones
If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people
To persecute the unfortunate is like throwing stones on one fallen into a well To persecute the unfortunate is like throwing stones on one fallen into a well

Chinese sayings and proverbs