1. It’s spring without realizing it when you are reading. Every inch of time is worth an inch of gold. ——"One of Two Poems on White Deer Cave" by Wang Zhenbai of the Tang Dynasty
Translation: Concentrate on reading, and before you know it, it is late spring, and an inch of time is as precious as an inch of gold.
2. Black-haired people don’t know how to study diligently early, and white-haired people regret studying late. ——"Encouraging Learning" by Yan Zhenqing in the Tang Dynasty
Translation: From midnight to the time when the rooster crows every day, it is the best time for boys to study.
3. The ancients spared no effort in their knowledge, and only when they are young and old can they achieve success. What I have learned on paper is ultimately shallow, and I know that I have to do it in detail. ——"Winter Night Reading to Show Ziyu" written by Lu You of the Song Dynasty
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.
4. Read thousands of volumes and write like a master. ——"Twenty-Two Rhymes for Wei Zuocheng" written by Du Fu in the Tang Dynasty
Translation: He has read thousands of books by heart, and started writing articles with agility as if he was talented.
5. The books are as affectionate as old friends, and the joys and sorrows of morning and evening are close to each other. There are three thousand words in front of my eyes, and there is not a speck of dust in my chest. ——"Guanshu" by Yu Qian of the Ming Dynasty
Translation: The scroll is like an old friend of mine. It always accompanies me in the morning and evening, whether I am sad or happy. After browsing countless words in front of my eyes, I no longer have any secular thoughts in my mind.