Enlightenment of Zeng Guofan's letters 4

The fourth way to cultivate the heart-filial piety is not in high position but in simplicity.

"I think about the butler, I will enjoy more than one generation. Their descendants are arrogant at first, then wandering, and finally gully, and few can celebrate the first generation or the second generation. In the home of merchants, thrift can last for three or four generations; The home of farming and reading can last for five or six generations; Filial piety can last for ten generations and eight generations. "

People often say: rich but not three generations, poor but three generations. However, it is rare for an official's family to last for one or two generations throughout the ages. A thrifty person who does business can last for three or four generations, but only a filial family can last for a long time.

Bureaucratic arrogance prevented loneliness.

Businessmen are thrifty.

I want to study hard.

Filial piety lasts the longest.