Translation: Before reading, I must first read it thoroughly, so that the words in it seem to come from my mouth.
This sentence comes from the reading method of Zhu Xi, a Neo-Confucian scholar in the Southern Song Dynasty.
Original text:
In general, before reading a book, you must first read it thoroughly so that everything you say comes from my mouth. After thinking carefully, if all its meanings come from my heart, then I can get it. If there are doubts about the meaning of the text and there are different opinions, then you should consider it with an open mind and do not make hasty choices.
Translation:
Every time you read a book, you must first read it thoroughly, so that the words in it seem to come from my mouth. Then use in-depth thinking to understand, so that the meaning in the book is as clear as if it came from your own mind. Everyone has their own opinions about questions in the book, so you should calm down and think carefully, and don't simply choose directly from their own opinions.
Extended information
Zhu Xi’s reading method
This is a concentrated summary of Zhu Xi’s reading method. The step-by-step approach has three meanings:
First, reading should be done in a certain order and not reversed;
Second, follow the instructions to the best of your ability;
3. Don’t swallow it whole and rush for success.
Reading well and thinking well means reading well and reciting it well, but also being good at thinking. The "humbly" in "humbly" refers to chewing over and over again and pondering carefully when reading. Personal observation emphasizes that reading must be reflected in one's own actual actions and must be practiced.
Being diligent has two meanings:
First, you must seize the time to study, work hard and forget to eat, and oppose leisurely;
Second, you must be energetic , be brave and work hard, and oppose laxity.
Ju Jing adheres to the "Ju Jing" in his ambitions, emphasizing that reading requires concentration and high concentration. The so-called "persistence of ambition" means to establish lofty ambitions and stick to them for a long time with tenacious perseverance.