1. The lights are on at three and the chickens are on at five, which is when men are studying. ——Tang Dynasty: "Encouraging Learning" by Yan Zhenqing
Translation: From midnight to the time when the rooster crows every day, it is the best time for boys to study.
2. Looking at the virtuous countries and families in the past, success was caused by diligence and frugality, and failure was caused by extravagance. ——Tang Dynasty: Li Shangyin "Tang Dynasty: Li Shangyin"
Translation: Throughout history, any wise country's success stems from diligence and frugality, while its decline stems from luxury.
3. It is easy for a young person to learn from an old person, but it is difficult to learn from an old person. One inch of time should not be taken lightly. ——Song Dynasty: Zhu Xi's "Poem to Encourage Learning"
Translation: The days of youth are very easy to pass away, but it is difficult to achieve success in learning, so every inch of time cannot be easily let go.
4. Tomorrow comes tomorrow, and there are so many tomorrows. If I wait for tomorrow, everything will be wasted. ——Ming Dynasty: Qian Fu's "Song of Tomorrow"
Translation: Tomorrow is another tomorrow, and there are so many tomorrows. If you just wait for tomorrow every day, you will only waste your time and achieve nothing.
5. Young people work hard all their lives, and don’t waste time and effort. ——Tang Dynasty: Du Xunhe's "Inscription on My Brother and Nephew's School"
Translation: Efforts made in youth are life-long events. Don't relax your efforts in the face of the passing time.