I don't want to read classical Chinese so strongly.

Letters from Zeng Guofan in modern times

Zeng Guofan thinks that the most important thing is the principle of filial piety among family members. Filial piety is easy to understand, that is, gratitude, respect and support for parents and elders. Xun refers to the harmony and friendship between brothers, that is, the harmony and harmony between peers. In Zeng Guofan's letters, it is generally believed that he wrote the most letters to his children. In fact, he wrote the most letters to his brother, which shows that he attaches importance to the relationship between brothers. Zeng Guofan has a famous comment that the law of family prosperity is: the world's bureaucrats are generally depressed after only one generation, because most of them are playboys; The family of businessmen, that is, the family of private entrepreneurs, can generally be passed down for three generations; Farming and reading homes, that is, families based on farming and reading, can generally flourish.

Zeng Guofan family

Five or six generations; The home of filial piety is a family that pays attention to filial piety and manages the family harmoniously, which often lasts for ten generations and eight generations.

Under the tenet of "ruling the family with harmony", Zeng Guofan also emphasized "ruling the family with diligence". In Zeng Guofan's view, this diligence has two meanings: one is that family members should be diligent and thrifty, and the other is that parents should be diligent in words and deeds. What Zeng Guopan said, he can take the lead meticulously and do a good job. For example, the eldest son likes western sociology and once liked mathematics and physics. Although Zeng Guofan knows nothing, he can try his best to understand and study hard. Such a father is the real "diligent" father. Under the influence of Zeng Guofan, Ceng Jize always personally taught children to learn English, mathematics and music, and also taught them to practice calligraphy, write poems and explain classics and laws. No matter how busy he is, he always takes time out to spend with his children and family every day. This is the best family education. Therefore, there are many scientists, educators and social activists among Zeng Guofan's descendants, great-grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.