Zeng Guofan, who has been an official for many years, left a book, namely "Zeng Guofan's Letter", which contains very rich contents, including the elaboration of parenting and the summary of self-cultivation, army management and politics. He once said to his younger brother, "I am confident and honest, just to experience the world, to enrich my work, and to participate in some machine power, I neglected my studies."
Although he occupies a high position, from the official to the governor of Zhili, and he is also a university student in Wuyingdian, he knows very well that he should be cautious in everything, otherwise he is likely to get into trouble, and he may even be demoted and even worry about his life. Because of this, Zeng Guofan's official career was almost smooth sailing, and he gradually became the pillar of the imperial court, which was deeply prized by the queen mother and the emperor. He once wrote such a couplet: "the first couplet: focus on the overall situation and start small;" Downward: live in groups and keep your mouth shut, and live alone and guard your heart. "
Let's analyze the first part. Actually, it's not hard to understand. It means that no matter what you do, you must first grasp the general direction, otherwise it is easy to go astray. However, the so-called "focusing on the overall situation" is not just about paying attention to the overall situation. Arrogance is not desirable, boasting will only become a laughing stock. At best, it is just an armchair strategist. If you want to make a difference, you can only focus on the overall situation, but you must take it step by step.
If "focusing on the overall situation" belongs to the strategic level, then "starting small" is a specific tactic, and both are indispensable. Once the goal and direction are determined, we should start with the details and divide the big goal into many small goals. When all the small goals are achieved, success will follow. Simply put, it is the combination of theory and practice. It is not advisable to talk blindly and build a car behind closed doors.
Let's analyze the second couplet. It teaches people how to be a man. There are only two strokes of the word "person", which is simple to write but difficult to do. No matter what kind of work, in the process of getting along with colleagues, you must not be arrogant, listen more and talk less, and remember the truth that you will lose if you talk more. This is what Zeng Guofan said. It's normal to joke, but you must keep your mouth shut. You can't just say the right and wrong of others for a moment. Keep your mouth shut and be careful.
When a person is alone, he should keep his true heart, reflect three times a day, abide by his inner principles, never indulge himself too much, and understand the importance of "self-cultivation". If you can't control yourself, it will be difficult to achieve anything. Today, we saw Zeng Guofan's couplets, and the world all admired them. If we can learn from his lifestyle, it will be easier in life and career.