From: Yuan Mei's Borrowing Books by Huang Sheng in Qing Dynasty.
According to the analysis in Huang Sheng's Borrowing Theory, "wealth" is the essence of illiteracy, and "poverty" is the essence of literacy. In addition to a few "princes who would rather have seeds" or noble talents, there are also several emperors and rich people who have the pleasure of reading. There is no need to talk about luxury life. It is "wealth" that makes them lose their initiative, thus causing the phenomenon that they can't read.
People who borrow books can read, not because they are in a hurry, but because they are poor. "The book has its own golden house, and the book has its own Yan Ruyu". Needless to say, the great temptation of fame to ancient people, but the family is poor and there are no books, so we can only borrow them from others. Indeed, they are full of a sense of urgency, but this sense of urgency is because they are worried that they will not win the championship and will not change poverty. Fame and poverty make them give timely help and steal others' light.
Extended data:
For Yuan Mei, the book is just a stepping stone to be an official. After knocking it open, the brick becomes redundant. Throughout Yuan Mei's life, he served as magistrate of a county for four times. Although he didn't do much, he later traveled around the country and made friends with high-class literati with poems and songs. At that time, he was rich and famous, built a house and dug a pool, and was extravagant. At this time, enjoying the splendor, he has no intention of studying. It is not surprising that "plain silk is covered with scrolls when it is gray." Say ancient times, not today.
References:
? Baidu Encyclopedia-Yuan Mei