Source: Su Shi's article Answer to the King in the Northern Song Dynasty.
Excerpt from the original:
There is no shortcut. However, if you have talent and strength, you have studied for several years, and you have your own way. In fact, you are all doomed. But I want teenagers to become scholars, and every book counts.
There are as many books as the sea, which are available in department stores. People's energy can't be all-encompassing, but they are all in their place. Therefore, I hope that scholars will ask questions one by one. If you want the rise and fall of ancient and modern times, the role of the sages, but you want it, don't give birth to Yu Nian. Don't do it again, but also ask for deeds, seek laws and seek cultural relics, and so on.
Vernacular translation:
Actually, it's no use. There is no shortcut to learning. But a talented person like you is in the prime of life. Study hard for a few years, and you will naturally gain something. In fact, this is the only way to learn. I mean, I hope you can become a scholar and read every book several times.
There are so many books as the ocean, and there are all kinds of books. With human energy, it is impossible to read all of them, only those who want to learn. So I hope you make a plan every time, just like you want to know the rise and fall of ancient and modern times and what sages did. There is no other idea to learn this aspect. Next time, I will make a plan to find books about allusions and laws, which are all the same. ?
Extended data:
Creative background:
Su Shi was deeply saddened by the death of Wang Yao's father, and studied hard at home, so he was well versed in history and praised him. He once called him "not just a pen, his writing is extraordinary." However, there are many teachings. This article is a letter to answer Wang Yao's inquiry. Su Shi's literary thought pays equal attention to literature and Taoism. He praised Han Yu and Ouyang Xiu for their contributions to ancient Chinese prose from two aspects: literature and Taoism.
However, Su Shi's views on literature and Taoism were very unique in the Northern Song Dynasty. First of all, Su Shi thinks that article art has independent value, such as "pure gold and beautiful jade". Article is not only a tool to carry Tao, but also an advanced form of human spiritual activities.
Secondly, the "Tao" in Su Shi's mind is not limited to Confucianism, but refers to the law of things in general. Therefore, Su Shi advocates that articles should be as natural as the objective world, with a natural attitude.