Zhuge Liang [Han Dynasty]

Original text (excerpt):

A gentleman's journey is quiet to cultivate one's morality, and frugal to cultivate one's morality. Not cold, not awake, not quiet, not far away. If you study quietly, you must study. If you don't study, you won't learn widely. If you have no ambition, you can't succeed.

Translation:

People with moral cultivation cultivate their body and mind by inner peace, and cultivate noble character by saving money and property. You can't be clear about your ambitions without being quiet, and you can't achieve your lofty goals without excluding external interference. Learning must be calm and single-minded, and talent comes from diligent study. If you don't study, you can't grow your talents. If you don't have a clear ambition, you can't achieve something in your studies.

Appreciate:

This commandment book also points out the relationship between determination and learning; It not only explains the importance of tranquility and indifference, but also points out the harm of indulgence, neglect and extreme impatience. Zhuge Liang is not only strict with his son in general principles, but also shows subtle concern for his children in some specific matters. In this book of commandments, there is the power of tranquility: "quiet to cultivate one's morality" and "no peace is far away"; Have the power of thrift: "frugality and morality"; Have the power of detachment: "if you don't stay in the garden, your heart will not be clear"; Have the power of eager to learn: "if you settle down to learn, you must learn."