1. "Winter Night Reading Shows Ziyu" - Lu You of the Song Dynasty
The ancients spared no effort in learning, and it was only when they were young that they were able to achieve success. What I have learned on paper is ultimately shallow, and I know that I have to do it in detail.
Translation: The ancients spared no effort in learning, and often did not achieve success until old age. After all, the knowledge gained from books is not perfect. If you want to deeply understand the truth, you must practice it yourself.
2. "Shi'er" - Song Dynasty: Lu You
After death, I know that everything is in vain, but I am not as sad as Jiuzhou. Wang Shibei set the Central Plains Day, and he never forgot to tell Naiwen during family sacrifices.
Translation: I originally knew that when I died, everything in the world would have nothing to do with me; but the only thing that made me sad was that I could not see the reunification of the motherland with my own eyes. Therefore, when the day comes when the Song army regains the lost land in the Central Plains, and you hold family sacrifices, don’t forget to tell me the good news!
3. A porridge and a meal, when you think about the difficulty of getting there; half a thread, half a thread, always think about the difficulty of material resources. ——Zhu Bolu's "Zhu Zi's Family Instructions" in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties
Interpretation: For a bowl of porridge or a meal, we should think of it as hard-earned; for half a silk or half a thread of clothes, we should also think about it. It is very difficult to think about the production of these materials.
4. The strictness between father and son cannot be sexual; the love between flesh and blood cannot be simplified. Simple means kindness and filial piety but neglect, while rough means neglect. ——Yan Zhitui's "Yan Family Instructions" in the Southern and Northern Dynasties
Interpretation: The relationship between father and son must be serious and not negligent; there must be love between flesh and blood, but not frivolous. If you are simplistic, you will not be able to be kind and filial; if you are neglected, neglect will occur.
5. The most difficult way to self-cultivation is to cultivate the mind; the most difficult thing to cultivate the mind is to be careful and independent. ——Zeng Guofan's "Book of Admonitions to His Sons" by Zeng Guofan in the Qing Dynasty
Interpretation: The most difficult thing in cultivating one's moral character, being a human being, and learning is to cultivate one's heart. The most difficult thing to cultivate one's heart is to think and think when one is alone. Be cautious in your words and actions.