1. Poems to Encourage Learning/Occasionally
Song Dynasty: Zhu Xi
It is easy for a young man to learn, but it is difficult for an old man to succeed, so one inch of time cannot be taken lightly.
I haven’t realized the dream of spring grass in the pond, but the phoenix leaves in front of the steps have already sounded in autumn.
Translation:
It is very easy to pass away the days of youth, but it is difficult to achieve success in learning, so every inch of time cannot be easily let go.
Before I woke up from the dream of spring grass growing in the pond, the leaves of the sycamore tree in front of the steps were already rustling in the autumn wind.
2. Reading on a winter night shows Ziyu
Song Dynasty: Lu You
The ancients spared no efforts in learning, and their skills were only achieved when they were young and old.
What you have learned on paper will eventually make you realize it, but you will definitely know that this matter must be carried out.
Translation:
The ancients spared no effort in learning. They worked hard when they were young and achieved success in old age.
After all, the knowledge obtained from books is not perfect. To understand things thoroughly, you must practice it yourself.
3. Encouragement to learn
Tang Dynasty: Meng Jiao
When you strike a stone, there is fire; if you do not strike it, there is no smoke.
People only know when they learn, but it is unnatural if they do not learn.
Everything has its own destiny, and it is not me who is the best.
Youth must be born early, how can you grow into a young man?
Translation:
Only when the stone is hit, there will be sparks; if not hit, not even a little smoke will come out.
The same is true for people. Only through learning can we master knowledge; if we don’t learn, knowledge will not fall from the sky.
Everything must be practiced by yourself. The knowledge gained by others cannot replace your own talents.
You should work hard as early as possible during your youth. Can a person remain a "youngster" forever?
4. One of Two Poems from Bailu Cave
Tang Dynasty: Wang Zhenbai
I am already deep in spring when I am reading, every inch of time is worth every inch of gold.
It is not the Taoist who comes to make people laugh, but Zhou Qing and Kong Sizheng are pursuing it.
Translation:
Concentrate on reading, and before you know it, it is late spring, and every inch of time is as precious as an inch of gold.
If it were not for the Taoist to make me laugh, I would still be delving deeply into the essence and teachings of Confucius, Duke of Zhou.
5. Reading
Song Dynasty: Lu You
I returned to Zhining without a five-acre garden, and my original intention of reading was in Yuan and Yuan Dynasties.
Although my eyesight in front of the lamp is not the same as before, I still have to learn 20,000 words.
Translation:
The ambition to return home and live in seclusion would still be the same even without the five acres of farmland. The original intention of studying was for the common people.
Reading under the lamp, my eyes were no longer what they used to be, but I still finished reading twenty thousand small words.