An Admonition to My Son (诫子书 Jie Zi Shu)
Written by Zhuge Liang, the Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period, “An Admonition to My Son” is believed to be a family letter to his son, Zhuge Zhan. In this letter, he urges his son to be diligent in his studies, to set his ambitions high, and to cultivate his character. He emphasizes the importance of a calm and tranquil mind, warning against impetuousness. Though only a few dozen characters in length, this letter is filled with heartfelt advice and boundless hopes for his son.
夫君子之行，靜以修身，儉以養德，非淡泊無以明志，非寧靜無以致遠。 夫學須靜也，才須學也，非學無以廣才，非志無以成學。慆慢則不能勵精，險躁則不能治性。年與時馳，意與日去，遂成枯落，多不接世，悲守窮廬，將複何及！
The conduct of a virtuous man is founded on tranquility to cultivate his character and frugality to nourish his virtue. Without a detached and simple life, there is no way to have a clear and firm resolve. Without a tranquil and serene mind, there is no way to achieve great heights. Learning requires a calm mind, and talent is acquired through study. One cannot broaden their talents without learning, nor can one achieve academic success without a clear ambition.
Indulgence and laziness will prevent you from arousing your spirit, while recklessness and impetuousness will make it impossible to cultivate your nature. Your years will rush away with time, and your will shall vanish with the days. In the end, you will become like a withered, fallen tree, largely useless to the world. You will then be left to sorrowfully guard your poor home. What will you do then? How will you make up for it?
Full Translation
The character of a man of great virtue is cultivated by a calm and focused mind and is nourished by a frugal and disciplined lifestyle. Without a peaceful detachment from worldly desires, one cannot have a clear and unwavering ambition. Without a serene and quiet mind, one cannot achieve great and distant goals. Learning requires a calm mind, and talent is acquired through study. Without learning, one cannot broaden their talents, and without a clear and firm ambition, one cannot achieve academic success.
Indulgence in pleasure and laziness will prevent you from rousing your spirit and exerting yourself. Being reckless and impetuous will make it impossible to cultivate your temperament. Time will rush by with each passing year, and your will and aspirations will fade with each passing day. Eventually, you will wither away like a dead leaf, becoming a person of little use to society. By then, when you are left to mournfully watch over your impoverished dwelling, what good will it be to regret what you have lost?
Dr. Wilson Yong. Copyright 2025.
