11. Stories of Diligence
Text
English translation
Original Chinese text
泌七岁，能赋棋，彼颖悟，人称奇。
English translation
Li Mi could compose a rhapsody on chess at seven. Such quick understanding made people marvel.
Li Mi stands beside Zu Ying as an example of youthful ability directed into learning.
Original Chinese text
尔幼学，当效之，蔡文姬，能辨琴。
English translation
You who study young should learn from them. Cai Wenji could distinguish the sounds of the qin.
To “imitate” does not mean copying talent; it means learning attentiveness, discipline, and accumulation.
Original Chinese text
谢道韫，能咏吟，彼女子，且聪敏。
English translation
Xie Daoyun was skilled in poetic recitation. These women were learned and quick-minded.
The old wording carries the gender assumptions of its time. A modern reading should center their learning and talent rather than the comparison implied by “even women.”
Original Chinese text
尔男子，当自警，唐刘晏，方七岁。
English translation
You boys should take warning for yourselves. Liu Yan of Tang was only seven.
The line reflects old gendered language. Read today, it is better taken as a call to self-examination rather than pride in status.
Original Chinese text
举神童，作正字，彼虽幼，身已仕。
English translation
He was recommended as a prodigy and appointed Corrector of Texts. Though young, he had already entered office.
The story shows early ability being recognized, and suggests that opportunity favors preparation.
Original Chinese text
尔幼学，勉而致，有为者，亦若是。
English translation
You young learners should strive to reach your aims. Those who mean to accomplish something may do likewise.
The line turns examples into encouragement: the emphasis is effort and resolve, not mere admiration of prodigies.