诫子书
诸葛亮 〔两汉〕

  夫君子之行,静以修身,俭以养德。非淡泊无以明志,非宁静无以致远。夫学须静也,才须学也,非学无以广才,非志无以成学。慆慢则不能励精,险躁则不能治性。年与时驰,意与日去,遂成枯落,多不接世,悲守穷庐,将复何及!
“Alas, this is the path that an honourable person should follow: apply tranquillity to mature one’s mind and pursue frugality to cultivate one’s character. If one is not modest and not free from materialistic ambitions, one cannot recognize and comprehend one’s true aspiration; if one is not tranquil and does not possess a peaceful mind, one cannot realize and attain deep and wide perspective on all matters*. Alas, learning requires a tranquil and peaceful mind, while talents require persistent learning to be fully developed. Without learning, one cannot realize one’s full potential; without a genuine aspiration, one will not achieve genuine learning and develop one’s thought properly. Procrastination does not allow one to focus on working hard faithfully; impetuousness does not allow one to cultivate the mind and character. As time quickly passes by, one’s aspiration drifts away with each idling day; like a withering leaf, one becomes disconnected and makes no contribution to the world. Eventually, one is trapped and niched in one’s own petty dwelling and can only lament on squandered days that can never be reclaimed. ”
 
 
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