The famous sayings in Zhu Xi’s family motto are as follows:

1. For every porridge and meal, it is hard to think about where you came from; half a thread, half a thread, it is difficult to keep thinking about things.

There is a poem that we are all familiar with: "The day of hoeing is like a branch, and the sweat is dripping on the soil; who knows that every grain of food on the plate is hard work." Although we spend our own money on food and clothing, it is also the result of other people's hard work. Without other people's hard work, we would not be able to spend it even if we have money, so we must know how to be grateful and cherish blessings.

2. It is better to be prepared before it rains and not to dig a well when thirsty.

It is necessary to repair doors and windows at ordinary times. Don’t wait until it is windy or rainy to think of repairing doors and windows; don’t wait until you are thirsty to start digging a well, otherwise it will be too late. This sentence tells us that people must have foresight and not just look at the present. This is a very important attitude in life and work.

3. When marrying a daughter, choose a good son-in-law, and don’t ask for a generous offer; when marrying a daughter-in-law, choose a lady, and don’t ask for a generous dowry.

When looking for a son-in-law for your daughter, you should look for a virtuous and virtuous woman, and do not covet heavy betrothal gifts or betrothal money; when marrying a daughter-in-law, you should look for a virtuous, virtuous and respectful woman, and do not covet a generous dowry. "The Great Learning" says: "Virtue is the foundation, wealth is the last." Whether you are looking for a partner or making friends, you must value virtue over profit.

4. Avoid litigation at home, as litigation will lead to disaster; avoid talking too much in life, because talking too much will lead to mistakes.

As the saying goes, "Everything thrives when the family is in harmony." Live at home and don't fight with your family. Once a lawsuit occurs, no matter who wins or loses, it will have a very bad impact on both parties and the entire family; disaster comes from words. Diseases come from the mouth. You should be cautious in your words and deeds when dealing with people. Don't speak too much, because if you talk too much, you will easily make mistakes and may cause unnecessary trouble.

5. Get up at dawn and sweep the courtyard to make it clean inside and outside.

Getting up early is a good living habit. Only those who get up early can know how to be self-reliant and appreciate time. Otherwise, it is easy to develop the habit of laziness. After getting up, you have to clean the house, tidy up your living environment, and develop the habit of hard work and love for labor, which is of great benefit to your physical and mental health.