9. Song to the Republic
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
载治乱,知兴衰,读史书,考实录。
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
通古今,若亲目,口而诵,心而惟。
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
朝于斯,夕于斯,昔仲尼,师项橐。
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
古圣贤,尚勤学,赵中令,读鲁论。
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
彼既仕,学且勤,披蒲编,削竹简。
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
彼无书,且知勉,头悬梁,锥刺股。
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
彼不教,自勤苦,如囊萤,如映雪。
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
家虽贫,学不辍,如负薪,如挂角。
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.