Han Wangxi

STUDY is significantly emphasized in Chinese culture. Let’s hear a story from “The Yan Family Instructions” in the late 6th century.

One day, Yan Zhitui’s eldest son, Silu, said: “Dad, chaos and turmoil prevail everywhere. Since no one in our family holds a position in the imperial court and we have such minimal savings, I should find work to support you as soon as possible, but you often urge me to study at home, dedicating myself to learning the classics and history. I truly don’t know how to fulfill my filial duty and how to focus on studying under these circumstances?”

Yan replied: “It is admirable that you consider supporting your parents, but as your father, I should educate my children. Even if I have an abundance of food, how can I savor them if you give up your studies and work for money? How can I feel warmth in my garments? If you dedicate yourself to the Confucian teachings of our ancestors and carry on our family’s legacy, even if I have to drink wild vegetable soup and wear coarse linen clothing, I will willingly do so.”

Throughout history, wise emperors have been diligent. Emperor Yuan of the Liang Dynasty (502-557) had a strong passion for learning. When he was 12 years old in Kuaiji City, he suffered from scabies, so his hands couldn’t be clenched into fists and his knees were unable to bend. However, he still studied hard and read 20 volumes of historical books a day, without the guidance of a teacher. When he encountered unfamiliar words or concepts, he would repeatedly read and comprehend them on his own, never experiencing boredom.

Yan commented that, “Emperor Yuan of the Liang Dynasty was a prince, with such a noble status, yet he could study so diligently, let alone ordinary people.” Reading is not for the purpose of flaunting knowledge, but to understand principles and cultivate integrity.

Yan further explained this by telling another story. Tian Pengluan in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) became a gatekeeper of the imperial palace at the age of 14 or 15. Despite his humble status, he was incredibly eager to learn, carrying books with him all the time, reciting them morning and evening and going around to seek guidance in his spare time. Whenever he came across stories of ancient people who exemplified integrity and righteousness, he was deeply moved and was full of admiration. Yan greatly liked him and often offered him guidance and encouragement. Eventually, Tian made a name for himself in history for his loyalty and moral character.

Being diligent and eager to learn is of great help for cultivating one’s moral character, which is emphasized in Chinese culture. Whether one reads or not makes a significant difference in one’s conduct and interactions with others.

Confucius said: “A noble person will carefully contemplate nine aspects of being a good person.” They are whether we see things clearly, whether we have understood what we hear, whether we present a gentle countenance when meeting people, whether our appearance reflects respect, whether we are true to our hearts when speaking, whether we approach tasks with diligence and caution, whether we seek guidance when we have doubts, whether we consider the consequences of our anger, and whether we consider righteousness when encountering fame and fortune. Among the nine aspects, the last one brings tremendous enlightenment to our lives.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Cao Zhen)