There is a sentence in Zeng Guofan's letter: "Only the clumsiness of the world can overcome the cleverness of the world." Some people seem smart, but they are always clumsy and accomplish nothing. And some people, who may walk slowly or look stupid, often make a splash and shine.
Obedience means diligence;
"All the mediocrities in ancient and modern times, at home and abroad, were defeated by a lazy word." Zeng Guofan was not smart when he was young, even a little stupid. He can become a master of science because of one word: diligence.
In reading, Zeng Guofan made a rule: a book, the first sentence is not understood, the next sentence is not read; Never read the next book unless you understand it thoroughly; Never sleep until you have finished your study goal for one day.
It is this hard-working spirit that leads to "blackness" and cultivates his diligence, hard work and practical qualities different from ordinary people. These qualities are called "clumsiness"