Classics of Chinese Traditional Culture -- Zeng Guofan's Family Letters, Complete Four Volumes: Complete Four Volumes

Author: Wu Qiaozi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: Zeng Guofan is a peculiar figure in modern Chinese history, and even in the entire history of ancient China. His historical merits and demerits remain difficult to reach a definitive conclusion to this day. Mao Zedong has made three evaluations of Zeng Guofan. From a purely human perspective, undoubtedly, Zeng Guofan possessed many virtues. One of his historical influences was his personal charisma. He broke the myth of genius and set an example for the saying "success comes from hard work." In terms of self-discipline, self-improvement, and strict training of his children, he upheld traditional Chinese virtues. Regarding the three immortal deeds of establishing virtue, achieving merits, and leaving a legacy, establishing virtue is the most difficult and the most abstract. Zeng Guofan's disciples praised him for elevating himself from an ordinary person to the realm of sages—both inner sage and outer king. This may seem a bit exaggerated, but the words "self-discipline, self-improvement, and diligent governance" still hold practical significance. These qualities are vividly reflected in The Letters of Zeng Guofan. This book is a collection of letters, organized by categories based on their content, divided into nine aspects: self-cultivation, educating children, family management, making friends, using people, social conduct, financial management, military governance, and political affairs.