Zhu Xi’s "Lectures on Reading"

Zhu Xi’s "Lectures on Reading"

Zhu Xi (1130-1200), a native of the Southern Song Dynasty, was an important figure in the development of Confucianism, a synthesizer of Neo-Confucian thought, and a The "authentic" thinker and educator of the feudal rule from the Southern Song Dynasty to the middle of the Qing Dynasty. He has been engaged in education for a long time and formulated the "Academic Regulations of Bailudong Academy". He has many unique insights into education and teaching work, especially systematic and specific instructions on teaching people how to read, which is the Zhuzi Reading Method.

Zhu Xi put forward two general principles for the gist of reading, that is, the effort in reading must be "step by step and gradual, read well and think deeply." Step-by-step means that reading must be uninterrupted, concentrated, and in-depth pondering, so that it can be said to be good at learning; reading and thinking intensively means that reading must be proficient and pondering with concentration. "Being broad but not refined" is a serious disease in reading. Zhu Xi's reading method had a great influence on later generations. His disciples summarized it into Zhu Xi's six reading methods: ① Step by step (reading must be in order, read one book thoroughly before reading another book, and lay a solid foundation.) ② Read carefully and think deeply (You must remember to memorize and memorize when reading, and you must be proficient in it.) ③ Humbly understand (read with an open mind, weigh it with your own mind, and do not have personal opinions first.) ④ Observe for yourself (investigate the words of the sages in the book Experience whether you can do this. ) ⑤ Work hard (you must "read with a wide range of deadlines and stick to the course", and don't be lazy and mediocre.) ⑥ Respect and maintain your ambition (you must restrain this attitude when reading, this is respect, this attitude is necessary) Zhu Xi's reading method is unique and based on his life experience. Many literati in later generations used it as a guide to study hard and achieve success in their studies. Young people are in the golden age of reading and learning. They must take this as a lesson to study hard and effectively master more knowledge to better serve the country and the people. However, it should be noted here that Zhu Xi’s reading method never paid attention to the combination of book knowledge and practical investigation and research. For this, future generations must make up for the shortcomings through practice.