Lin Zexu’s famous words about destroying opium in Humen:

1. If opium is not exhausted for a day, and this minister does not come back for a day, I swear to stick to this matter forever and there will be no reason to stop.

Vernacular explanation: As long as opium is not eliminated for a day, I will not return for a day. I will definitely fight this matter to the end without interruption.

2. If my children and grandchildren are like me, what will I do with the money? If a virtuous person has a lot of wealth, it will harm his ambition; if my children and grandchildren are not as good as mine, what will I do with the money? Being foolish and having too much wealth will increase your faults. ?

Vernacular explanation: If my descendants are like me, why should I leave money to them? Too much money for sages will only damage their aspirations; if my descendants are not as good as me, why should I leave money to them? Being stupid and rich only makes them worse.

Extended information:

The place where Lin Zexu burned opium in Humen was at Humen Beach. Due to the huge amount of opium, the entire process of burning opium lasted for twenty-three days before it ended.

This smoking ban triggered the first Opium War, but the historical significance of this ban cannot be ignored. The greatest historical significance is to solve the harm of opium to our country, open up the people's wisdom, and make the people realize the role of opium. It will also have a huge impact on China's future development.

When Lin Zexu banned smoking in Guangdong, he not only faced oppression from foreign powers, but also faced officials within the Qing Dynasty who constantly used conspiracies and tricks to prevent Lin Zexu from carrying out the anti-smoking campaign for their own selfish interests.

However, Lin Zexu was unafraid of power and successfully carried out the anti-smoking movement while resisting external forces and internal pressure. Almost all the opium in Humen was destroyed, successfully protecting the tranquility of the Humen area.

After the opium eradication in Humen, the Qing government, under pressure, demoted Lin Zexu. Because talents are rare, he was used by the imperial court to serve as officials in Shaanxi, Gansu, Yunnan, Guangxi and other places, handling some very difficult matters. Lin Zexu not only participated in some military suppression in these places, but also vigorously developed the local economy. Lin Zexu would run wherever Lin Zexu was needed.

In the end, Lin Zexu finally died in Guangxi due to his long journey and miasma infection.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Lin Zexu

Baidu Encyclopedia-Humen Smoking