Current location - Quotes Website - Famous sayings - 5 ancient family rules and mottos and their origins
5 ancient family rules and mottos and their origins

1. Confucius’ family motto

If you don’t learn poetry, you can’t speak; if you don’t learn etiquette, you can’t stand.

Translation: The meaning of this sentence is very clear. One day Confucius was standing in the courtyard, and his son Kong Li "crossed the courtyard", that is, walking quickly in small steps. When walking in front of your superiors or elders, you should "move forward", lower your head, and walk quickly like this. This is called "movement".

Then Kong Li saw his father Confucius standing in the courtyard, so he lowered his head and "went forward". Confucius said, "Stop, are you learning poetry?" No. "How can you speak if you don't learn poetry?" - How can you speak if you don't learn poetry?

Another day, Confucius stood in the courtyard again, and Kong Li "crossed the courtyard" again. Confucius said, "Stop, have you learned etiquette?" "Not yet." "How can you be a good person if you don't learn etiquette?"

Appreciation: This story is called "Guo Ting Yu", also called "Ting Xun". Later, according to this story, the education of a father to his son was called "court training" in ancient times. Learning poetry and etiquette are about reading and doing things, which are two very important issues in life.

2. Zhuge Liang's "Book of Commandments to Sons" and "Book of Commandments to Nephews"

Quietness cultivates one's character, frugality cultivates virtue. Without indifference, there is no clear ambition; without tranquility, there is no way to reach far. (Book of Commandments)

Translation: Use tranquility to improve your self-cultivation, and use frugality to cultivate your own character. If you are not calm and have few desires, you will not be able to clarify your ambitions, and if you do not eliminate external interference, you will not be able to achieve lofty goals.

The husband's aspirations should be lofty and far-reaching, he should admire the sages, abandon his passion and stagnation, and make his common ambitions clear and exist, and feel compassion; (Book of Admonitions to Nephew)

Translation: A person should establish lofty ideals, pursue the sages, restrain his passions, and get rid of the vulgar thoughts in his chest, so that the noble aspirations that are almost close to the saints can be clearly understood in you. It will be reflected in the earth, making your heart shake and understand. You must be able to adapt to the tests of different situations such as smoothness and twists and turns, get rid of trivial matters and emotional entanglements, ask people extensively for advice, and eradicate your own feelings of resentment.

Appreciation: Zhuge Liang did not have his son Zhuge Zhan until he was 46 years old. He likes his son very much and hopes that his son will become a pillar of the country in the future. Zhuge Liang had two sisters. The son of the second sister was named Pang Huan, who was deeply loved by Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang fought all year round and was involved in government affairs, but he still did not forget to teach his children. The two family letters he wrote to Zhuge Zhan and Pang Huan are called "Book of Commandments to Sons" and "Book of Commandments to Nephews".

3. Langya Wang family motto

A husband's words and deeds can be repeated, which is the most trustworthy; to praise one's faults and lead them to others is the most virtuous; to make one's name known and to show one's relatives is the most filial piety; brothers are happy , the family is happy, and the hatred is the end; there is no better way to get rich than to give in: these five are the foundation of one's life.

Translation: Being consistent in words and deeds is the pinnacle of faith; entrusting a good reputation to others while shouldering the blame is the pinnacle of virtue; spreading a good reputation to make relatives famous is the pinnacle of filial piety; brotherly harmony , Clan happiness is the pinnacle of discord; there is nothing better than humility in the face of property: these five principles are the foundation of one's life.

4. "The Collection of Ouyang Yongshu" by Ouyang Xiu

"If jade is not cut, it will not become a tool; if a person does not learn, he will not know." However, jade is an object and has unchanging virtues; Although it is not carved into a weapon, it is not harmful to be used as jade. Human nature changes due to things. If you don't learn it, you will give up being a gentleman and become a villain. Don't think about it! Pay chess.

Translation: If jade is not carved, it cannot be made into utensils; if people do not learn, they will not understand the truth. However, something like jade has its eternal characteristics. Even if it is not polished and made into utensils, it is still jade and will not be damaged. Human nature will change when affected by external things.

Therefore, if people do not learn, they will lose the noble moral character of a gentleman and become a villain with bad conduct. Isn't it worth pondering?

Appreciation: Ouyang Xiu's father passed away when he was 4 years old, and his mother was very strict in his education. In order to save money, his mother used reeds and charcoal as pens and taught Ouyang Xiu how to read on the land or sand. In his family motto, Ouyang Xiu hopes that his son can continue to develop the habit of reading and learn the principles of life from books.

5. Ji Dan's "Book of Admonitions to Uncle Qin"

Therefore, if there is no big reason for the old, then it will not be abandoned, and there will be no need to prepare for one person.

A gentleman is as strong as an ox, and does not compete with the ox for its strength; as walking as a horse, he does not compete with the horse; as wise as a scholar, he does not compete with the scholar for his wisdom.

Those who have great virtues and act respectfully will be honored; those who are smart and wise but act foolishly will benefit.

Translation: If a relative or old friend has not made any serious mistakes, do not abandon him or her. Don't blame anyone for everything. Even if a virtuous person is as strong as an ox, he will not compete with the ox in terms of size; even if he gallops like a horse, he will not compete with the horse in terms of speed; even if he is as wise as a scholar, he will not compete with the scholar in terms of intelligence. .

If a person of great virtue conducts himself with humility, he will be honored; if he is wise and wise, but conducts himself with a foolish attitude, you will benefit a lot.

Appreciation: "Jie Bo Qin Shu" talks about the virtue of modesty and prudence. Even if you are the emperor, you are rich all over the world because you follow these moral qualities. Ignorance of humility leads to death and national mourning. Jie and Zhou are such an example.

How could you not be cautious?"