文╱三國．諸葛亮（181～234）

夫君子之行，靜以修身，儉以養德，非澹泊無以明志，非寧靜無以致遠。夫學須靜也，才須學也，非學無以廣才，非靜無以成學。慆慢則不能研精，險躁則不能理性。年與時馳，意與歲去，遂成枯落，悲嘆窮廬，將復何及也。

──選自《戒子通錄》

【註】慆：音「滔」，怠惰。年與時馳…將復何及也：當年華隨時光消逝，意志為歲月消磨，終至一無所成，只能悲嘆守著敝陋的屋舍，那時後悔也來不及了。

A Letter of Admonishing Sons (Excerpt)

Zhuge Liang (181 - 234, Three Kingdoms Period)

English translation: Venerable Miao Guang

To act as a superior man, cultivate yourself with serenity, and foster your virtue by practicing frugality. Without detachment, your principles cannot be clarified, and without serenity, your perspective cannot be far. Before learning, you must first gain serenity; without learning, you cannot enhance your abilities. Without serenity, learning will not be possible. Idleness and arrogance cannot refine your character, and impatience cannot bring rationality. Just as the years swiftly pass, your resolve wanes with age and turns dry and withered. What is the point sighing with regret and wishing to turn back time?

── from Jiezi Tong Lu(Admonishing Sons: A Comprehensive Record)