The original text and translation of "The Theory of Determining One's Aspirations" are as follows:

Original text: If one's ambition is not established, it is like not sowing its roots but only cultivating and irrigating it, and the hard work will lead to no success. The reason why the world follows the rules, follows the customs and practices, and ends up in a dirty state is because of ambition. If you have the ambition to become a saint, you can learn from him. If a person sincerely aspires to become a saint, he must think about the reason why a saint is a saint.

Translation: Without ambition, it is like planting a tree without caring about its roots and focusing only on cultivating the soil and irrigating it. Even if you work hard, there will be no results. Those who stick to the rules and follow the crowd and gradually degenerate are those who should make resolutions but fail to do so. Only those who have the ambition to become a saint can serve as learning partners. If a person really has the ambition to become a saint, then he will definitely think about why a saint becomes a saint.

Introduction to the author

"Speaking to the Brother of Determination" was written by Wang Yangming, a representative figure in the study of mind in the Ming Dynasty. This article was written in the 10th year of Zhengde reign of Emperor Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty. It was written by Yangming in response to his brother Wang Shouwen's inquiry. The full text is included in the seventh volume of "The Complete Works of Wang Yangming". Yangming's theory of mind advocates that the mind is the reason, emphasizing that the effort of learning lies in developing conscience, and the starting point of this effort is determination.

In Yangming's view, a person's will is like the source of water and the roots of wood. If the source is not dredged, it will flow; if the roots are not planted, the tree will wither. Therefore, it should be used everywhere at all times. Purpose comes first. For Yangming, if the will is established, the principles will be self-evident and the selfish desires will be eradicated. Therefore, it is said that the achievement of lifelong learning is only the establishment of the will. This work is worth reading. It will provide you with unexpected understandings and help people live more clearly.

Reference for the above content: Home of Ancient Prose - "The Theory of Determining One's Destiny"