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."
学如弓弩，才如箭镞
“学如弓弩，才如箭镞”，出自清代诗论家袁枚的《续诗品·尚识》，大意是学识像弓弩，才能如箭头，学识决定才能，正如弓弩引导箭头射出，才会命中靶心。无论阅读别人的作品，还是自己从事创作，学识的高低与深浅，都会直接影响到欣赏水平或创作效果。因此，我们在日常学习中，也需要锤炼出扎实丰厚的学识，这样才能更好地利用自己的才干完成工作目标。
2013年5月，习近平在同各界优秀青年代表座谈时的讲话中指出，“青年的素质和本领直接影响着实现中国梦的进程。古人说：‘学如弓弩，才如箭镞。’说的是学问的根基就好比是弓弩，才能就好比是箭头，只要依靠厚实的见识来引导，就可以让才能更好地发挥作用。青年人正处于学习的黄金时期，应该把学习作为首要任务，作为一种责任、一种精神追求、一种生活方式，树立梦想从学习开始、事业靠本领成就的观念，让勤奋学习成为青春远航的动力，让增长本领成为青春搏击的能量。”