Meaning: I heard that if you want a tree to grow, you must strengthen its roots; if you want a spring to flow far, you must clear its source.

Source: "Ten Thoughts on Admonishing Taizong" by Wei Zheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Excerpt: I heard that those who seek the growth of trees must strengthen their roots; those who wish to flow far away must dredge up their springs; those who long for the security of their country must accumulate their virtues and righteousness. If the source is not deep, how can the stream be far away? If the roots are not solid, how can the tree be long? If you are not very virtuous and think about the governance of the country, you may be a fool but know that it is impossible, how much worse than a wise man!

Explanation: I heard that if you want a tree to grow, you must strengthen its roots; if you want a spring to flow far, you must dredge its source; if you want a country to be stable, you must accumulate morality and righteousness.

The source is not deep but you want the spring to flow far away; the root system is not strong but you want the trees to grow. I don't have deep morals but want to have a stable country. Although I have a low status and limited knowledge, I know that this is impossible, let alone a smart and wise person like you.

Extended information:

Creative background:

Tang Taizong Li Shimin followed his father Li Yuan in the rebellion against the Sui Dynasty, fought bravely, lived frugally, and was quite accomplished. In 627 AD, Li Shimin ascended the throne and changed the Yuan Dynasty to Zhenguan. In the early years of Zhenguan, he drew lessons from the fall of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, further maintained his frugal and prudent style, and implemented many policies that were beneficial to the national economy and people's livelihood.

After more than ten years of governance, the economy has developed and people's lives have become richer. With the strengthening of border defenses and peace of mind both internally and externally, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty gradually became extravagant and forgot his roots, overhauling temples and palaces, seeking treasures, and traveling around. , waste people and money.

Wei Zheng was extremely worried about this. He clearly saw the crisis hidden behind the prosperity. From March to July of the eleventh year of Zhenguan (637), he wrote four memorials in a row, "Admonishing Taizong". "Ten Thoughts" is the second one. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty was suddenly alarmed after reading this, and wrote "Reply to Wei Zheng's Edict", indicating that he had changed his mind.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Admonition to Taizong's Ten Thoughts