This sentence comes from one of the six precepts in Zeng Guofan's family precepts: when doing great things, knowledge is the main thing, supplemented by talent; Where great things are achieved, people seek to live in half, and providence lives in half.

it means: to do great things, you need to have profound experience and knowledge first, with talents as an aid; Anyone who wants to achieve great things, half lies in people's planning, the other half depends on providence, and the opportunity will not come.

Zeng Guofan clearly stated that "knowledge" should be the main way to do great things, and talent and ability are only auxiliary. Therefore, it is often difficult for people who are arrogant and arrogant to achieve great things.

and "man seeks to live in half, and providence lives in half" means that no matter what he does, he should take the attitude of "doing everything he can to listen to destiny". Don't stop trying because of factors that you can't control, and don't complain because you have tried hard and failed in the end.

Extended information

Zeng Guofan (November 26, 1811-March 12, 1872), whose first name was Zicheng, whose name was Bo Han and whose name was Di Sheng, lived in the grandson of the seventieth Saint Ceng Zi. China was a modern politician, strategist, philosopher and writer, the founder and commander-in-chief of Xiang Army.

He was highly praised by later generations for his achievements in learning and career. Some scholars once said that after reading the "six precepts" of Zeng Guofan's life, he learned his way of being a man and doing things.

Zeng Guofan's idea of managing the family can be divided into six parts, namely "diligence, filial piety, frugality, benevolence, constancy and modesty".

Baidu encyclopedia-Zeng Guofan