1. 善观人者观己，善观己者观心。

1. Those who observe others closely observe themselves, and those who observe themselves closely observe their hearts.

2. 有一种人以姑息匪人市宽厚名，有一种人以毛举细故市精明名，皆偏也。圣人之厚 宽，不使人有所恃。圣人之精明，不使人无所容。 曾国藩

2. There are people who, under the pretext of being lenient and generous, actually tolerate wrongdoers; there are also people who, by meticulously pointing out trivial matters, gain a reputation for being astute. Both are imbalanced. The benevolence of the saints does not allow others to rely on it. The acuteness of the saints does not leave others without a place. —Zeng Guofan

3. 忠信廉洁，立身之本，非钓名之具也。 曾国藩

3. Loyalty and integrity are the foundation of one's character, not tools for seeking fame. — Zeng Guofan

4. 定静安虑得，此五字时时有，事事有。离了此五字，便是孟浪做。

4. To be steady, tranquil, composed, and thoughtful, these five characters are always present, in every matter. To depart from these five characters is to act recklessly.

5. 阴，小人者。阳，君子也。进君子而退小人，燮理之能事毕矣。 曾国藩

5. Yin represents the inferior, while Yang represents the superior. By promoting the superior (the gentleman) and retreating the inferior (the mean person), the task of harmonizing the world is accomplished. — Zeng Guofan

6. 不怕打不着，只怕打不胜。

6. It's not a fear of not hitting but a fear of not being able to hit enough.

7. 夫知之而不用，与不知同；用之而不尽，与不用同。

7. Knowing but not using it is the same as not knowing; using it but not to the fullest is the same as not using it.

8. 带兵之道，用恩莫如用仁，用威莫如用礼。

8. The way to lead soldiers is to use benevolence more than favor, and to use authority more than ceremony.

9. 清高太过则伤仁，和顺太过则伤义，是以贵中道也。?>

9. Excessive modesty injures benevolence, excessive amiability injures righteousness; therefore, the middle way is to be valued.

10. 失意事来，治之以忍，方不为失意所苦。快心事来，处之以淡，方不为快心所惑。

10. When faced with disappointment, endure it to avoid suffering from it. When faced with joy, treat it with indifference to avoid being misled by it.

11. 寡言养气，寡视养神，寡欲养精。

11. Speak little to cultivate one's Qi, observe little to nourish one's Spirit, desire little to nurture one's Essence.

12. 家败离不得个奢字，人败离不得个逸字，讨人嫌离不得个骄字。

12. A fallen family can't be separated from the word "extravagance," a fallen person can't be separated from the word "laziness," and being disliked can't be separated from the word "arrogance."

13. 毕竟先知后行，至于纯熟，乃能合一。 曾国藩

13. After all, it is necessary to practice first and then prophesy; only when one is skilled can unity be achieved. -- Zeng Guofan

14. 久视则熟字不识，注视则静物若动，乃知蓄疑者乱真，过思者迷正应。 曾国 藩

14. Prolonged staring makes one unable to recognize familiar characters, intense staring makes inanimate objects seem to move, thus one understands that harboring doubts leads to confusion and excessive thinking leads to being lost in the truth. — Zeng Guofan

15. 慎独则心安，主敬则身强，求仁则人悦，习劳则神钦。

15. To be cautious in solitude brings peace of mind, to be reverent strengthens the body, to pursue benevolence brings joy to others, and to practice diligence inspires awe.

16. 忠信廉洁，立身之本，非钓名之具也。

16. Loyalty and integrity are the foundation of one's character, not tools for seeking fame.

17. 以能立能达为体，以不怨不尤为用。

17. It embodies the principle of being capable of both establishment and achievement, and applies the method of neither complaining nor acting improperly.

18. 见得天下皆是坏人，不如见得天下皆是好人。

18. It is better to believe that everyone in the world is good than to believe that everyone is bad.

19. 天可补，海可填，南山可移。日月既往，不可复追。

19. The sky can be patched up, the sea can be filled, and the southern mountain can be moved. The sun and the moon have gone by, and cannot be pursued back.

20. 银钱则量力资助，办事则竭力经营。

20. In terms of finances, we will provide support within our means, and in handling affairs, we will exert our utmost effort.

21. 黎明即起，醒后勿粘恋。

21. Rise early at dawn; do not linger after waking.

22. 打仗不慌不忙，先求稳当，次求变化;办事无声无臭，既要精当，又要简捷。

22. In battle, do not act hastily; first seek stability, then seek changes; in handling affairs, be silent and unobtrusive; both precise and efficient.

23. 处有事当无事，处大事当如小事。

23. In dealing with matters, treat them as if they were trivial; when facing great events, treat them as if they were small ones.

24. 人人料必胜者，中即伏败机，人人料必挫者，中即伏生机。

24. Everyone expects the winner, and in the midst of victory lies the seed of defeat. Everyone expects the loser, and in the midst of defeat lies the seed of victory.

25. 知足则乐，务贪必忧。

25. Contentment brings joy, while greed leads to worry.

26. 贫贱时眼中不著富贵，他日得志必不骄。富贵时意中不忘贫贱，一旦退休必不怨。 曾国藩

26. When poor and humble, one does not look down upon the wealthy; when one achieves success, one will not be proud. When rich and noble, one does not forget the days of poverty and humility; once retired, one will not complain. — Zeng Guofan

27. 先静之，再思之，五六分把握即做之。

27. First calm down, then think it over, and act when you have about five to six chances.

28. 人有求于我，如不能应，当直告以故。切莫含糊，致误乃事。 曾国藩

28. When people ask favors of me and I am unable to comply, I should straightforwardly inform them of the reason. Never be vague, as ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings. — Zeng Guofan

29. 久视则熟字不识，注视则静物若动，乃知蓄疑者乱真，过思者迷正应。

29. Prolonged staring makes one unable to recognize familiar characters, intense gazing makes inanimate objects seem to move, thus one knows that harboring doubts leads to confusion, and excessive thinking leads to being lost in the right path.

30. 觅物者苦求而不得，或视之而不见。他日无事于觅也，乃得之。非物有趋避，目眩 急求也。天下之事，每得于从容，而失之急遽。曾国藩

30. Those who seek things diligently but fail to find them, or see them but do not recognize them. On another day, when they are not in a hurry to find, they suddenly find them. It is not that things have a tendency to avoid or seek; it is due to the blinding of the eyes and the urgency of seeking. In the world, things are often obtained through calmness and lost through haste. — Zeng Guofan

31. 利可共而不可独，谋可寡而不可众。独利则败，众谋则泄。

31. Benefits can be shared but not solely enjoyed; plans can be made by a few but not by many. Pursuing personal benefits alone leads to failure, while many contributing to a plan can lead to leakage of secrets.

32. 勿以人负我而隳为善之心，当其施德，第自行吾心所不忍耳。未尝责报也。纵遇险 徒，止付一笑。 曾国藩

32. Do not let others' ingratitude destroy your desire to do good. When they show their kindness, it is only because I cannot bear to see them suffer. I have never expected any return. Even if I encounter someone who is ungrateful, I can only smile at it. — Zeng Guofan

33. 古之成大事者，规模远大与综理密微，二者缺一不可。

33. Those who have achieved great things in ancient times, their ambitions were grand and their management was meticulous and detailed; neither of these could be absent.

34. 驭将之道，最贵推诚，不贵权术。

34. The way to be a leader is to value sincerity the most, not to value cunning tactics.

35. 外重者内轻，故保富贵而丧名。节内重者外轻，故守道德而乐贫贱。 曾国藩

35. Those who emphasize external matters tend to neglect the internal, thus they may preserve wealth and status but lose their reputation. Those who emphasize internal virtues tend to neglect external matters, thus they may adhere to morality and enjoy poverty and low status. — Zeng Guofan

36. 书蔬鱼猪，一家之生机；少睡多做，一人之生气。

36. Books, vegetables, fish, and pork, the vitality of a family; less sleep and more work, the vitality of an individual.

37. 作善岂非好事，然一有好名之心，即招谤招祸也。

37. Doing good is indeed a good thing, but the moment one has a desire for fame, one will attract slander and misfortune.

38. 荐贤不可示德，除奸不可**。

38. It is not proper to show virtue in recommending the talented, nor is it appropriate to show benevolence in eliminating the奸.

39. 轻财足以聚人，侓己足以服人，量宽足以得人，身先足以率人。

39. A light regard for wealth is sufficient to gather people, self-discipline is enough to win others' respect, generosity is enough to win people's favor, and leading by personal example is enough to lead others.

40. 宁可忍耐而死，不可向利而生。 曾国藩

40. It is better to die with patience than to live for gain. — Zeng Guofan

41. 处事贵熟思缓处，熟思则得其情，缓处则得其当。 曾国藩

41. In dealing with affairs, it is important to think deeply and act calmly. Deep thinking allows one to understand the situation, while calm action leads to appropriate responses. — Zeng Guofan

42. 勿扬人过，反躬默省焉，有或类是，丞思悔而速改也。

42. Do not publicly denounce others' faults; instead, reflect on your own and introspect. If there are any similar shortcomings, promptly think about repenting and making corrections.

43. 集众人之私，成天下之公。

43. Gather the private desires of many to achieve the public good of the whole world.

44. 凶德致败者约有二端：曰长傲，曰多言。

44. The causes of defeat due to evil character are roughly divided into two: arrogance and excessive talk.

45. 凡读无益之书，皆是玩物丧志。

45. Reading books that are of no benefit is akin to playing with objects and losing one's purpose.

46. 小仁者，大仁之贼。

46. The little benevolent person is the thief of the great benevolent.

47. 天物愚者真，智者伪;愚者完，智者丧。 曾国藩

47. The foolish are sincere, the wise are deceptive; the foolish are whole, the wise are lost. — Zeng Guofan

48. 委罪掠功，此小人事;掩罪夸功，此众人事;让美归功，此君子事;分怨共过，此 盛德事。 曾国藩

48. Blaming others for one's own faults and taking credit for their achievements is the behavior of a lowly person; covering up one's faults and boasting about one's achievements is the behavior of the masses; attributing beauty and merit to others is the action of a gentleman; sharing grievances and burdens together is the act of great virtue. — Zeng Guofan

49. 做天下好事，既度德量力，又审势择人。 专欲难成，众怒难犯 ，此八字者不独妄动邪为者宜慎，虽以至公无私之心，行正大光明之事，亦须调剂人情，发明事理，俾大家信从，然后动有成，事可久。盘庚迁殷，武伐纣，三令五申，犹恐弗从。盖恒情多隐于远识， 小人不便于己私，群起而坏之，虽有良法，胡成胡久。 曾国藩

49. To do good in the world, one must both measure one's moral virtue and ability, and carefully analyze the situation to choose the right person. It is difficult to achieve something by one's own desire alone, and it is difficult to provoke the anger of the public. These eight characters are not only a warning for those who act recklessly and engage in evil, but also for those who act with the purest intentions and perform upright and open deeds. They must also adjust human emotions, clarify the principles of the matter, and win the trust and support of everyone before taking action, and only then can there be success and longevity. As shown in the migration of King Pan Geng to Yin, and the victory of Wu over the tyrant Zhou, despite repeated orders and warnings, there was still a fear that they would not be followed. It is because the common sentiment is often hidden by insight, and evil men, when not benefiting from their own desires, will unite to destroy it. Even if there are good laws, how can they be achieved and sustained? -Zeng Guofan

50. 规模先要个极大，意思先要个安闲。古之人先约而丰人，故群下乐为之用而所得常 倍。徐思而审处，故己不劳而事极精详。褊急二字，处事之古碍也。 曾国藩

50. The scale should be extremely large, and the meaning should be serene and leisurely. The ancients first made agreements and then enriched the people, so the people were happy to serve and what they got was often double. By thinking slowly and handling things carefully, one does not have to work hard but the work is extremely meticulous. The words 'narrow-minded' and 'impatient' are ancient obstacles in dealing with affairs. —Zeng Guofan

51. 若日日誉人，人必不重我言矣。

51. If one praises others every day, others will not value my words.

52. 人之精神，贵藏而用之，苟炫于外，鲜有不败者。

52. The spirit of a person is valuable when kept and used wisely; if it is displayed openly, few are those who do not fail.

53. 君子所性，虽破万卷不加焉，虽一字不识无损焉。

53. The nature of a gentleman, even if he has read ten thousand scrolls, it does not add to it; even if he does not know a single character, it does not detract from it.

54. 凡家道所以持久者，不恃一时之官爵，而恃长远之家规，不恃一二人之骤发，而恃大众之维持。

54. The reason why a family's fortune endures is not because of temporary official positions or titles, but because of long-standing family rules; not because of the sudden rise of a few individuals, but because of the support of the general public.

55. 事到手且莫急，便要缓缓想。想得时切莫缓，便要急急行。处天下事，只消得安详 二字， 兵贵神速， 也须从此二字做出。然安祥非迟缓之谓也，从容详审，养奋发于定之中耳。 曾国藩

55. When things are in hand, do not rush, but think slowly. When you have thought it through, do not hesitate, but act swiftly. In dealing with worldly matters, the key is to be composed and calm. Even in warfare, which values speed, these two words must also be the guiding principle. However, calmness is not about being slow; it is about being composed and thorough, nurturing determination and enthusiasm amidst stability. — Zeng Guofan

56. 人之处于患难，只有一个处置。尽人谋之后，却须泰然处之。

56. When a person is in difficulty, there is only one way to deal with it. After exhausting all possible measures, one must calmly face it.

57. 一切皆暗暗安排，胸有成足。

57. Everything is arranged secretly, with confidence in one's own ability.

58. 治世以大德，不以小惠。

58. Rule the world with great virtue, not with small favors.

59. 处有事当无事，处大事当如小事。 曾国藩

59. In times of crisis, act as if there is no crisis; in dealing with major matters, treat them as minor ones. —Zeng Guofan

60. 知足天地宽，贪得宇宙隘。

60. Contentment in one's life broadens the cosmos, while greed confines the universe.

61. 凡事皆有极困难之时，打得通的，便是好汉。

61. There is a time of extreme difficulty in everything; he who can break through is a hero.

62. 立身之道，内刚外柔；肥家之道，上逊下顺。不和不可以接物，不严不可以驭下。

62. The path to self-improvement is to be internally strong and externally gentle; the way to enrich one's family is to be humble above and compliant below. One cannot get along with others without harmony, nor can one manage subordinates without strictness.

63. 不深思则不能造于道。不深思而得者，其得易失。

63. Without deep thinking, one cannot attain to the Way. What is gained without deep thinking is easily lost.

64. 士有三不斗：毋与君子斗名，毋与小人斗利，毋与天地斗巧。

64. A gentleman has three things he does not quarrel over: He does not quarrel with a gentleman over reputation, he does not quarrel with a small person over profit, and he does not quarrel with the heavens and earth over skill.

65. 尖酸语称快一时，当之者终身怨恨。

65. While feeling gratified by sarcastic remarks in the moment, those on the receiving end will harbor resentment for life.

66. 见人有得意事，便当生欢喜心。 见人有失意事， 便当生怜悯心。 皆自己真实受用处。 忌成乐败，何预人事，自坏心术耳。 曾国藩

66. When one sees others having something to be proud of, one should feel joy. When one sees others having misfortunes, one should feel compassion. Both are real benefits to oneself. It is forbidden to delight in others' failures and despair in their successes, to meddle in human affairs, for it will only corrupt one's own character. — Zeng Guofan

67. 忧时勿纵酒，怒时勿作札。

67. Do not drink excessively when feeling melancholic, and do not write letters of anger when you are angry.

68. 精明也要十分，只须藏在浑厚里作用。古人得祸，精明人十居其九，未有浑厚而得 祸者。今之人惟恐精明不至，所以为愚也。 曾国藩

68. Cleverness should also be applied with moderation, hiding its effects within simplicity and depth. In the past, out of those who suffered misfortune, ninety percent were the clever ones, while none of the simple-minded ever suffered misfortune. Today's people are so afraid that they may not be clever enough, which is why they pretend to be foolish. —Zeng Guofan

69. 艰苦则筋骨渐强，娇养则精力愈弱。

69. Hardship makes the sinews and bones gradually stronger, while pampering weakens one's vitality.

70. 好誉者，常谤人;市恩者，常夺人。其倾危一也。

70. Those who seek good reputation often slander others; those who distribute favors often take away from others. Their downfall is the same.

71. 可以一出而振人之厄，一言而解人之纷，此亦不必过为退避也，但因以为利，则市 道矣。 曾国藩

71. One can relieve a person's distress with a single act, and resolve disputes with a single word. There is no need to overly avoid this, but if one uses it for personal gain, then it becomes a market strategy. — Zeng Guofan

72. 见面前之千里，不若见背后之一寸。故达观非难，而反观为难。见见非难，而见不 见为难。此举世之所迷，而智者之所独觉也。曾国藩

72. It is better to see an inch behind than a thousand miles ahead. Therefore, it is not difficult to be optimistic, but it is difficult to reflect inwardly. It is not difficult to see, but it is difficult to see what is not seen. This is what the world is confused about, and what the wise alone perceive. — Zeng Guofan

73. 贱不谋贵，外不谋内，疏不谋亲。 曾国藩

73. "Do not seek high office if you are unworthy, do not plot against the inner circle from the outside, and do not scheme against relatives who are close to you." — Zeng Guofan

74. 久利之事勿为，众争之地勿往。物极则反，害将及矣。

74. Avoid pursuing things for too long, and do not venture into places where everyone is fighting. Things reach their extreme and then reverse; harm is about to befall.

75. 受不得穷，立不得品，受不得屈，做不得事。

75. Cannot bear poverty, cannot establish character, cannot endure hardship, cannot accomplish things.

76. 将来不迎，当下不杂，过往不念。

76. Not to seek the future, to be unconfused in the present, and not to dwell on the past.

77. 见异思迁，欲求长进难矣。

77. To be fickle in pursuit of change, it is difficult to seek progress.

78. 傲人不如者必浅人，疑人不肖者必小人。

78. One who is proud but not impressive is a shallow person, and one who doubts others' loyalty is a mean person.

79. 气忌盛，心忌满，才忌露。

79. Temperance in one's breath, modesty in one's heart, and restraint in one's talents.

80. 事以急败，思因缓得。

80. Matters fail due to haste, and thoughts come to fruition through deliberation.

81. 富贵功名皆人世浮荣，惟胸怀次浩大是真正受用。

81. Riches, fame, and success are all fleeting glories of the world, but only a vast and noble heart is truly rewarding.

82. 定静安虑得，此五字时时有，事事有。离了此五字，便是孟浪做。 曾国藩

82.固定静虑安， these five characters are always present, in all things. Without these five characters, it is rash and imprudent. —Zeng Guofan

83. 人见其近，吾见其远，曰高明；人见其粗，吾见其细，曰精明。

83. People see it as close, but I see it as far, and say it is high-spirited; people see it as rough, but I see it as fine, and say it is refined.

84. 处天下事，前面常长出一分，此之谓豫;后面常余出一分，此之谓裕。如此则事无不济，而心有余乐。若尽煞分数做去，必有后悔。处人亦然，施在我有余之恩，则可以广听。 留在人不尽之情，则可以全好。 曾国藩

84. In dealing with the affairs of the world, if one often leaves a little bit ahead, that is called anticipation; if one often leaves a little bit behind, that is called abundance. In this way, all matters can be successfully handled, and the heart can be filled with joy. If one exhausts all the resources and still persists, there will surely be regret. The same principle applies to dealing with people: if one extends more than enough kindness, one can broaden one's listening; if one leaves some unfulfilled affection, one can maintain a complete friendship. — Zeng Guofan

85. 居乡勿为乡愿，居官勿为鄙夫。

85. When living in the countryside, do not act like a local sycophant; when holding a government post, do not act like an uncouth person.

86. 凡办大事，半由人力，半由天事。

86. In handling great matters, half depends on human effort, and half on the will of heaven.

87. 不为圣贤，便为禽兽；不问收获，但问耕耘。

87. If not a sage or a virtuous person, then one is an animal; do not inquire about the harvest, but only about the farming.

88. 薄福之人过享其福，必有忽然之祸。贯贫之人不安其贫，必有意外之忧。

88. Those who are blessed with little should not overindulge in their fortune, for they will surely face an unexpected disaster. Those who are poor and do not find contentment in their poverty will undoubtedly encounter unforeseen troubles.