I just read the biography about Zeng Guofan some time ago.

About Zeng Guofan's famous aphorisms:

1. In the home of an official, it is difficult to go from frugality to luxury, and from luxury to frugality. No matter whether we are a small family, a scholar, a farmer or a merchant, we are diligent and frugal, and we are not prosperous, or we are arrogant, extravagant and tired, and we are not invincible.

2. Reading is the main business of Hanshi, and it must not be like a housekeeper.

3. Always reflect inwardly and blame yourself everywhere.

4. If you blame God for no reason, God will not allow it; if you blame others for nothing, then people will not accept it. Whenever I feel like complaining, I will think to myself, what are my shortcomings that lead to this resentment?

5. When people are happy, don’t be jealous; when people are in trouble, don’t be happy.

6. Don’t talk too much in life. Talking too much will lead to mistakes.

7. Don’t think about giving favors, and don’t forget the favors received.

8. Always think about the prosperous times and the bad times, and think about the ending when you are on the field.

9. You should leave room for anything, and you should not go back when you are proud.

10. If the heart is used frequently, it will be alive, but if it is not used, it will be suffocated; if it is used frequently, it will be fine, and if it is not used, it will be thick.

Zeng Guofan was an important representative of the Tongcheng School in Anhui during the late Qing Dynasty. He was praised by the world as the master of Confucianism after Confucius and Zhu Xi. Zeng Guofan is known as the most perfect man in history.

"Zeng Guofan's Family Letter" is very interesting and you can learn a lot of knowledge. You can read it when you have time.