Going down the pond and going ashore refers to the ancestral motto of the Zeng family: "To know how to go down to the pond, you need to know how to go ashore." It is also the "retreat" character in Zeng Guofan's thirty-six-character formula.

The word "retreat" (to know how to get down to the pond, you need to know how to get ashore) is to be cautious, and to retreat modestly is the tactic to solve difficulties and avoid disasters. Specifically, they include:

1. When trouble comes from your mouth, you must first keep your mouth shut

a. Talking too much can easily offend others and ruin interpersonal relationships. ——If you don’t carefully consider other people’s thoughts before speaking, and just say whatever you want, you will hurt others intentionally or unintentionally.

b. Talking too much makes you proud. ——To talk too much is actually an expression of inner arrogance. Stay humble and say as little as possible. Think more and talk less. Over time, you will become more modest.

c. Talking too much can lead to deception

d. Talking too much can lead to defeat - it is better to say less than to say more, and it is better to say nothing than to say less.

2. If you are fearful, you will not be in danger - if you are brave, you will be as timid as you are

3. If you are less greedy, you will less disaster, and you must not have any wrong thoughts

4. If your achievements are high, you must not choose your own destiny

5. Reduce your wings and go ashore in calm waters

6. Cultivate seeds and do not give up your strength lightly

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