9. Song to the Republic

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Histories record order and disorder, allowing one to understand rise and decline. In reading history, examine reliable records.

The purpose is not to memorize dynastic names alone, but to study causes behind success and failure.

Original Chinese text

English translation

To understand past and present is almost like seeing them with one’s own eyes. Recite with the mouth and reflect in the mind.

Recitation supports memory; reflection turns memory into understanding.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Attend to study in the morning and again in the evening. In former times, Confucius himself learned from Xiang Tuo.

Xiang Tuo is remembered as a wise child. The story teaches that even a sage can learn from someone younger.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Ancient sages and worthies still valued diligent learning. Zhao Pu, though a high minister, read the Analects.

The Zhao Pu story teaches that office and status do not remove the need for continued study.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Though already in office, he studied diligently. Others used woven reeds or carved bamboo slips for books.

The line shifts from a diligent official to the hardship of early study materials: poverty of tools need not prevent effort.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Even without ready books, they knew to urge themselves on. Some tied their hair to a beam or pricked their thigh with an awl to stay awake.

These are extreme stories of discipline. Modern readers need not imitate the harm; the point is self-command against laziness.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Without being driven by others, they studied through hardship: reading by fireflies in a bag or by the reflected light of snow.

The stories are vivid examples of study under poverty, stressing resourcefulness when conditions are poor.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Though the family was poor, study did not stop. Some read while carrying firewood; some hung books from an ox horn.

These examples turn spare moments into study time, showing that learning need not wait for perfect conditions.

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