The passage of time means that time cannot stand still.

Source: "On Prosperity and Filial Piety" by Kong Rong of the Eastern Han Dynasty: "The years are passing by, and the seasons are flowing. The fifty years have suddenly arrived. The public has been full, and the two have passed. Knowledge in the sea , all scattered, but the chapter of Shengxiao in Kuaiji still exists."

Translation: If time cannot stop and disappears like running water, he will soon reach the age of fifty. You are just one year old, but I am already over two years old. Almost all the acquaintances and acquaintances in the country were dead. Only Sheng Xiaozhang of Kuaiji was still alive.

Extended information

Appreciation of "On Shengxiao Zhangshu":

"On Shengxiao Zhangshu" is a letter for help written by Kong Rong to Cao Cao. Although he asked for help from Cao Cao, he did not say anything groveling, but looked calm and unhurried.

The first paragraph of the article expresses feelings and impresses the other person. The author asked Cao Cao for help for the Shengxiao Zhang incident. However, Kong Rong did not make a direct request at the beginning. Instead, he lamented that the years were passing by and stated that they were half a century old, in order to shorten the distance and close the relationship.

Kong Rong also lamented the loss of close acquaintances, saying that friends are rare in the world, and then pointed out that "only the Shengxiaozhang of Kuaiji still existed" at that time, making Cao Cao realize that this was not easy, and he should cherish the opportunity of friends still remaining. This kind of foreshadowing appears natural and cordial, helps both parties eliminate barriers and communicate feelings, and also helps the article narrate events and achieve its purpose.