Because the young Zhou Enlai had already realized at that time that if the Chinese people wanted to not be bullied by imperialism, they must revitalize China. Reading should be aimed at this.

After the outbreak of the Revolution of 1911, Zhou Enlai took the lead in cutting off his braids and getting in touch with progressive books. He read the books of Zhang Taiyan, the leader of the Liberation Society, the magazines of the Tongmenghui, and articles by Kang Youwei and Liang Qichao. Whether it was Zhang Taiyan's difficult ancient prose or Liang Qichao's modern prose, Zhou Enlai read them carefully. Although the ideological emphasis of progressive publications differs, the principle of simple patriotism is the same. Zhou Enlai's vision broadened through reading, his thoughts were sublimated, and he had his own unique understanding of things. Therefore, when other students had never thought about why they should study, Zhou Enlai had clearly stated "study for the rise of China."

Extended information:

"Studying for the rise of China" means to read widely, develop in an all-round way, be truthful and pragmatic, be brave in innovation, and be an ideal, moral, cultural and talented person. High-quality talents with discipline, strive to enhance their own cultural accomplishment, and make unremitting efforts to enrich the country and strengthen the people.

"Reading for the Rise of China" is not only the inheritance and sublimation of the national spirit with patriotism as the core, but also the embodiment and expansion of the spirit of the times with communism as the core. A powerful driving force that inspires people to work hard and keep making progress.

Baidu Encyclopedia-Reading for the Rise of China