1. It’s spring without realizing it when you are reading. Every inch of time is worth an inch of gold. The Taoist is not here to make people laugh, Zhou Qing and Kong Sizheng are pursuing it. ——From "One of Two Poems on White Deer Cave" by Wang Zhenbai of the Tang Dynasty

Translation: I concentrated on reading, and before I knew it, it was late spring, and an inch of time was as precious as an inch of gold. If it weren't for the Taoist to make me laugh, I would still be delving deeply into the essence and teachings of Confucius, Duke of Zhou.

2. The lights are on at three and the chicken is on at five, which is when men are studying. ——From "Encouraging Learning" by Yan Zhenqing of the Tang Dynasty

Translation: From midnight to the time when the rooster crows every day, it is the best time for boys to study.

3. There is no need to hate a wife without a matchmaker. There are women in the book who are as beautiful as jade. ——From "Poems to Encourage Learning" by Zhao Heng of the Song Dynasty

Translation: Don't regret not having a matchmaker to introduce your partner. If you read well, you will naturally have a beautiful wife.

4. Wealth must come from hard work, and a man must read five cars of books. ——From "Baoshi Bai's Thatched House" by Du Fu in the Tang Dynasty

Translation: Since ancient times, prosperity and wealth must come from hard work. A wise man should read a lot of books like Bai Xueshi in order to gain fame.

5. Yesterday, the neighbor asked for a new fire, and Xiaochuang was given a reading lamp. ——From "Qingming" by Wang Yucheng of the Song Dynasty

Translation: Yesterday, I got a new kindling from my neighbor's house. At dawn, I lit a lamp in front of the window, sat down and read with concentration.