Zeng Guofan, the original author, first put forward the importance of cultivating talents, saying that it is directly related to social customs. The composition imitates Han Yu and there are many parallel sentences. Excerpt from the original:
How thick and thin is the custom? Just what one or two people want. Beginning of life, the weak are all weak. If there are one or two sages and wise men, everyone will be subject to your orders; Very wise. You have a lot of people. If one or two people's hearts are just, then everyone will take it to justice; If one or two people are interested in profit, then everyone will follow the crowd.
The general trend, the general trend, although there is great power, but also dare not go against it, so there is a saying: "He who scratches everything, does not suffer from the wind." Custom affects people's hearts, which is insignificant at first, but can't be ruled in the end.
Translation:
Where does the simplicity and frivolity of social fashion come from? It just comes from the ideological tendency of one or two people. Among the people, there are mediocre and cowardly people everywhere. If there are one or two talented and intelligent people, everyone will support them and listen to their teachings. Particularly talented and intelligent people have many supporters. this
One or two people tend to be benevolent, and everyone pursues benevolence and righteousness with him; These two people are inclined to fame and fortune, so everyone pursues fame and fortune with him. Where people go is the general trend. Even if there is great power, no one dares to violate it. Therefore, "nothing shakes everything in the world faster and stronger than the wind." The influence of social fashion on personal thoughts is very weak at first, and it will be irresistible in the end.
Extended data
General program of family management
Zeng Guofan thinks that the most important thing is the principle of filial piety among family members. Filial piety is easy to understand, that is, gratitude, respect and support for parents and elders. Xun refers to the harmony and friendship between brothers, that is, the harmony and harmony between peers. In Zeng Guofan's letters, it is generally believed that he wrote the most letters to his children. In fact, he wrote the most letters to his brother, which shows that he attaches importance to the relationship between brothers.
Zeng Guofan has a famous comment that the law of family prosperity is: the world's bureaucrats are generally depressed after only one generation, because most of them are playboys; The family of businessmen, that is, the family of private entrepreneurs, can generally be passed down for three generations; Farming and reading homes, that is, families based on farming and reading, can generally flourish for five or six generations; The home of filial piety is a family that pays attention to filial piety and manages the family harmoniously, which often lasts for ten generations and eight generations.
Under the tenet of "ruling the family with harmony", Zeng Guofan also emphasized "ruling the family with diligence". In Zeng Guofan's view, this diligence has two meanings: one is that family members should be diligent and thrifty, and the other is that parents should be diligent in words and deeds. Zeng Guofan said these things, he can take the lead and do them meticulously, and do them well.
For example, the second son likes western sociology and used to like mathematics and physics. Although Zeng Guofan knows nothing, he can try his best to understand and study hard. Such a father is the real "diligent" father.
Under the influence of Zeng Guofan, Ceng Jize always personally taught children to learn English, mathematics and music, and also taught them to practice calligraphy, write poems and explain classics and laws. No matter how busy he is, he always takes time out to spend with his children and family every day. This is the best family education. Therefore, there are many scientists, educators and social activists among Zeng Guofan's descendants, great-grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.