"Light money is enough to gather people, self-discipline is enough to convince others, magnanimity is enough to win people, and example is enough to lead people." Which book by Zeng Guofan comes from? Is it his family motto or something else?

I have never read Zeng Guofan’s works. I don’t know. The information on the Internet is also very confusing. Some say it is a famous quote by Zeng Guofan, but they do not specify the specific source. Some say it comes from the following books, some of which I have read. , there is none at all, or there is but I missed it, alas, the bitter consequences of not reading carefully.

⑴. Self-affection should not be indulged, and the method of going against it should be controlled. The word "forgiveness" is the way to do it;

——Ming Dynasty Chen Jiru's "Xiao Chuang You Ji·Ji Xing"

⑵, treat others harmoniously, be lenient to accept others, treat others with forgiveness, and be a gentleman.

Etiquette, justice and integrity mean that you can discipline yourself, but you can't punish others. Disciplining oneself will lead to few mistakes, while punishing others will lead to lack of cooperation, and lack of cooperation is not the way to deal with the world. Therefore, a gentleman is responsible for himself, and a villain is responsible for others.

Those who blame others will not fully repent, and those who forgive themselves will not correct their mistakes. Complacency will lead to defeat, self-pity will lead to foolishness, and self-respect will cause harm. It is better to keep quiet and do no harm if you talk too much to gain.

——Song Dynasty Lin Bu's "Records of Saving Hearts"

⑶. Treat your relatives with love for your wife, and you will fulfill your filial piety. If you serve the emperor with the policy of protecting wealth and honor, there will be no disloyalty. If you blame yourself with the same intention of blaming others, you will make few mistakes. If you forgive others with the same heart that you forgive yourself, then you will be friends with everyone.

——Song Dynasty Li Bangxian's "Xianxin Miscellanies"

(4) Forgive others with affection and discipline yourself with reason. If you forgive others with the same heart that you forgive yourself, then you will be friends with everyone. If you blame yourself with the same intention of blaming others, you will make few mistakes.

——"Aphorisms on the Wall" by Mr. Shanin Jin of the Qing Dynasty