Zhang Hongjie, an expert in the history of Qing Dynasty, once said in the book "The Front and Side of Zeng Guofan": "Zeng Guofan's greatest significance to later generations is that he proved with his own practice that a Chinese person can become a superman through edification and change. In other words, if a person sincerely invests in self-improvement, his skills can be increased tenfold, his knowledge can be ten times smarter, his mind can be expanded tenfold, and his temperament can be ten times purer. "
The so-called sages can be admired but not learned since ancient times. Only Zeng Guofan can make people admire and learn. Why is this?
Zeng Guofan, as the commander-in-chief of the Xiang army, is in power, and his annual military expenditure is above several hundred thousand taels. It is simply too simple to make a difference in military spending. However, after Zeng Guofan died, there was no money left at home.
During his decades of military career, he should be the cleanest governor in the Qing Dynasty. Zeng Guofan has a wide network of contacts, and almost all the government officials in thirteen provinces are recommended by him, and he often receives thank-you gifts. He didn't want to keep people away, brushed other people's faces and chose everyone's most humble gift.
Bao Chao once gave him sixteen bags of gold and silver jewelry, in which he chose a small felt hat to accept and let Bao Chao take it back intact. Over time, everyone has great respect for Zeng Guofan and is willing to work with him and obey his command.
Extended data:
Since ancient times, people who have achieved great things have both the right time and the right place. But in addition to these factors, your own mentality is also very important. Zeng Guofan's talent is mediocre, but he is a minister and is known as the only saint in modern times. His success means a lot to us ordinary people.
In his diary, Zeng Guofan recorded three kinds of mentality necessary for a great man to achieve great things, and settled down to study and learn the wisdom of a saint.
First, don't love the past.
Zeng Guofan believes that if you indulge in past achievements, you will stop and it will be difficult to achieve great things. Satisfy the past cognition, you can't accept new ideas and knowledge, and make yourself short-sighted. Regret past mistakes, you will be timid, but it will not help.
People should abandon past achievements, remain modest and embrace unknown knowledge. Although Zeng Guofan was in a high position, he never used his power to bully others, and he was also modest and polite to his colleagues. Zeng Guofan has always been respected for treating people. When others commented on Zeng Guofan, they all said that it was like a spring breeze to associate with him.
Second, I don't mix now.
The past cannot be changed, and the future cannot be predicted. The only thing we can do is to live in the present and focus on everything now. Zeng Guofan believes that we must stay focused and not have distractions in order to do things best. Repair the tower to the spire and ferry people to the river. Being a man and doing things is the most taboo. If you don't have perseverance, you will eventually be mediocre and accomplish nothing.
Zeng Guofan has the habit of reading. He didn't read one page thoroughly, and he resolutely refused to read the next page. He is determined not to read another book until he has finished reading it. He knows that his talent is not high, and he can only redouble his efforts to make up for the gap with others. Facts have proved that ordinary people can make great achievements with their own stupid efforts.
Third, the future is unpopular.
Zeng Guofan's life goal is "Mo Wen harvests, but it requires hard work", which is exactly the portrayal of his heart. He warned his children to concentrate on their work and not to think about how much it can bring. As long as you try your best, there is nothing to regret even if you fail in the end.
Many people try to give up halfway when they are doing something, but they can't stand it if they fail in the end. People who achieve great things are familiar with the truth that man proposes and God disposes. Be yourself, success is not importune, just let nature take its course.
I didn't love in the past, I don't mix now, and I'm not welcome in the future. Do these three things, and success is not far from you.
References:
Baidu Encyclopedia-Zeng Guofan