Zeng Guofan realized that he was dull by nature, so he gave full play to his advantages. He never took detours or shortcuts in his life. Always act in the most clumsy and practical way.

He pursues the principle of "trickle accumulation, dripping water wears away the stone", and its practical effect is that the atmosphere is thick and stable. He was also inclusive all his life, especially fond of hundred schools of thought's books. Laozi's broad simplicity, Zhuangzi's spiritual freedom, Mozi's coolie ambition, and the example of the Legalist school were all used by him.

Therefore, Zeng Guofan's unique "clumsiness" has made him "practical, honest, pragmatic, diligent and determined". His realistic life attitude and honest life style make his way of thinking always in a dynamic, positive, truth-seeking and pragmatic state. Facing the known and unknown world, he is humble and honest. He doesn't presuppose anything, speculate anything, and forbid anything. He's just saying. From this point of view, he is indeed a model of modern historical figures in China.