1. "Winter Night Reading Revelation to Ziyu" Lu You [Song Dynasty]

The ancients spared no efforts in learning, and their skills were only achieved when they were young and old.

What you have learned on paper will eventually make you realize it is shallow, and you will definitely know that this matter must be carried out.

Translation: The ancients spared no effort in learning knowledge. They worked hard when they were young and achieved success in old age. After all, the knowledge obtained from books is not perfect. To thoroughly understand and learn knowledge, one must practice it personally.

2. "Impressions from Observing Books·Part 1" Zhu Xi [Song Dynasty]

A half-acre square pond is open, and the skylight and cloud shadows are lingering.

Ask him how clear it is? Come for living water from a source.

Translation: The half-acre square pond opens like a mirror, with skylight and cloud shadows shining and floating on the water. Want to ask why the water in the pond is so clear? It is because there is an inexhaustible source that continuously delivers living water to it.

3. "Encouraging Learning" by Yan Zhenqing (Tang Dynasty)

The lights are on at three o'clock and the chickens are on at five o'clock, which is when men are studying.

Black-haired people don’t know how to study diligently early, and white-haired people regret studying late.

Translation: Study at night under the light at the third watch, and get up early to study at the fifth watch when the rooster crows. This morning and night is a good time for men to study. Young people don't know that if they get up early and study diligently, it will be too late to regret that they have not studied enough when they are old.

4. "Poems to Encourage Learning" by Zhu Xi (Song Dynasty)

It is easy for a young man to learn, but it is difficult for an old man to succeed, so an inch of time should not be taken lightly.

I haven’t realized the dream of spring grass in the pond, but the phoenix leaves in front of the steps have already sounded in autumn.

Translation: The days of youth are very easy to pass away, but it is difficult to achieve success in learning, so every inch of time cannot be easily let go. Before I woke up from the beautiful spring scenery, the sycamore leaves in front of the steps were already rustling in the autumn wind.

5. "Impressions from Reading · Part 2" Zhu Xi [Song Dynasty]

Last night the spring water grew by the river, and the huge ship was washed away by the light.

I have always wasted my efforts to move forward, but today I am in the middle of the flow.

Translation: The spring water on the river rose sharply last night, and the big boat was as light as a feather. In the past, even a lot of effort could not be used to push it, but today it can float freely in the middle of the river.