Zeng Guofan's life creed

First, talk about determination

Scholars should be ambitious first, knowledgeable second and persistent third. Aspiring is unwilling to be vulgar, knowing is endless, not daring to be self-sufficient, and perseverance is impossible. All three are indispensable.

second, talk about self-cultivation

who can be slow? What can be relaxed? He who slacks things gets nowhere, and he who slows things down goes back on his word.

Third, talk about concentration

If you dig a well, instead of digging more wells, none of them are as good as springs. Why not always keep one well, and strive for inexhaustible springs?

Fourth, talk about methods

With years of experience in the military, it is beneficial to know what is going on in the world. Only when the realm is smart and the means are smart can things be achieved.

v. talking about reasoning

all truth should not be said too high, and if it is too high, it is close to correction and falsehood. Give examples of recent events, but be reasonable.

VI. Talking about employing people

Generally speaking, people who do anything must not have reputation without destruction, kindness without resentment. Self-educated people only want to be idle, and they should not be discouraged by Shen Yi because of ridicule. A person who balances others should only seek a long-term advantage, and should not abandon useful materials because of minor defects. If you are in a hurry, you will be lucky.

VII. Talking about health preservation

The way of health preservation is based on the word "Jun Yi Chen Lao"; The more the spirit is used, the more it emerges. Don't cherish it too much because of physical weakness.

VIII. Talking about composition

Where there is energy in writing, there is momentum, knowledge is measured, emotion is rhythmic, and fun is interesting. Momentum, knowledge, true feelings and interest.