The Classic of Standing Firm

Name: The Classic of Standing Firm
ISBN: 9787548405023

Zeng GuofanHarbin Publishing House · ChinaJul 2024

4.6

Word count: 64 words
Chapters: 7
ISBN: 9787548405023

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Summary

The Book of Endurance is a remarkable work handed down through the ages, in which Zeng Guofan summed up his own life experience and lessons of success. It is Zeng Guofan's classic formula for self-cultivation, conduct in the world, holding office, and governing. Because of its strong practicality, inspirational quality, and reference value, it is valued and loved by people from all walks of life. This book consists of three parts: the original text, translation, and interpretation. Through a concise format, refined language, novel layout, and an organic combination of various elements, it seeks to present in three dimensions Zeng Guofan's seventeen principles of the heart for officialdom, comprehensively analyzing the uniqueness of Zeng Guofan's conduct in the world, and offering today's readers inspiration for life.

Editor's review

The Book of Endurance was not compiled into a book by Zeng Guofan himself, but was later assembled from his collected works, family letters, and diaries on the spirit of "endurance" and his wisdom in conducting himself. The single character "ting" (endurance) may be said to be the core essence of Zeng's lifelong achievements and inner method—unyielding steadfastness in hardship, holding fast to the right path amid turmoil, and pragmatic response in complex situations. This book, compiled by Li Wenqu, systematically sorts out Zeng Guofan's thought and practice regarding self-discipline, judging people, managing affairs, self-cultivation, and regulating the family. Compared with the many books on Zeng Guofan on the market, this edition focuses more on presenting his action philosophy of "stepping into the fray and enduring to the end" and his way of tempering the mind. Reading this book, one can not only appreciate the survival and development wisdom of this "restoration minister" of the late Qing in extreme adversity, but also glimpse how a traditional scholar-official transformed the Confucian learning of inner sagehood and outer kingliness into practical methods for meeting real challenges. Its value lies not only in the study of a historical figure's thought, but also in offering contemporary readers under pressure and amid change a deep inspiration about resilience, patience, and the spirit of achievement. The many discussions in the book on "patience with the troublesome," "holding to one's bluntness," and "clear strength" are especially worth savoring repeatedly in a restless age.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers interested in Zeng Guofan's life and thought who wish to go beyond success-literature interpretations and delve into his spiritual core.
Practitioners in the workplace, starting businesses, or in life transitions who long to cultivate resilience and improve their ability to cope with adversity.
History and literature enthusiasts with an interest in traditional Chinese management wisdom and self-cultivation culture.
Readers seeking to turn ideas into action and who value pragmatic methods over empty talk.

Not a good fit for

Purely academic researchers expecting to read an original systematic work written by Zeng Guofan himself.
Readers hoping for light, quick success techniques or chicken-soup-style consolation.

Reading tips

It is advisable to read alongside Zeng Guofan's chronological biography or a biography, to better understand the specific context and evolution of his remarks.
Relevant passages from his family letters and diaries can be read in comparison with the thematic discussions in The Book of Endurance, to appreciate the wholeness of his thought.
While reading, connect it to your own situations in which you must "endure," and consider how his principles can be combined with modern life, rather than simply copying them.

About the publisher

Harbin Publishing House China · Founded in 1988

Harbin Publishing House is a comprehensive city publisher known for classic works and social fiction. Its "Little Blue Book Classic Works Collection" includes modern literary masterpieces such as Lu Xun's Wandering and A Madman's Diary, and Xiao Hong's The Story of Hulan River; the complete Lu Xun fiction is also in its catalogue. In history, Lü Simian's History of the Two Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties appears in multiple volumes, while foreign literature and Eastern philosophy are represented by Yukio Mishima's The Temple of the Golden Pavilion and Spring Snow. Its authors include Lu Xun, Xiao Hong, Lü Simian and Yukio Mishima, as well as Yang Xiao, Tong Fan, Dong Haiyan and others. Common categories cover classic works, social fiction, history, foreign literature, Eastern philosophy and essays. Public information is limited, so this profile focuses on the publishing directions reflected in its 500 titles.

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FAQ

Is The Book of Endurance a book written by Zeng Guofan?

It was not compiled into a book during Zeng Guofan's lifetime. The name "tingjing" (Book of Endurance) originates from the essentials of "endurance" that he expounded to colleagues and advisers during his life; its contents are scattered through memorials, family letters, diaries, and the records of disciples and friends. Later scholars (such as Li Wenqu) compiled these discussions into a book by theme, and thus The Book of Endurance was transmitted.

How does this book differ from Zeng Guofan's Family Letters, The Ice Mirror, and others?

The Family Letters focus on self-cultivation, regulating the family, and family teachings; The Ice Mirror emphasizes the art of judging and recognizing people; while the core of The Book of Endurance is an "action philosophy," systematically expounding the inner method, strategies, and practical wisdom of how to "stand firm" in difficult times, with a stronger emphasis on initiative and methodology for coping with adversity.

What is the specific meaning of "ting" (endurance) in the book?

"Ting" is not stubborn, brute-force resistance; its meaning is rich: first, "steadfast endurance," persisting through hardship; second, "clear strength," resolute firmness after comprehending the nature of things; third, "stepping into the fray," actively taking responsibility and participating; fourth, "blunt honesty," responding to a cunning world with a solid, plain attitude. It is a comprehensive life posture combining conviction, wisdom, and pragmatic action.

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About the author

Zeng Guofan Author · China · 1811–1872

Zeng Guofan (1811–1872), courtesy name Bohan and art name Disheng, was a native of Xiangxiang, Hunan. A late Qing statesman, military strategist, Neo-Confucian scholar and prose writer, he founded and commanded the Xiang Army and rose to serve as Viceroy of Liangjiang and of Zhili, Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, and was ennobled as the First-Class Marquis Yiyong with the posthumous title Wenzheng. He was a leading figure of the Self-Strengthening Movement. His writings consist mainly of family letters, poetry anthologies and collected works, emphasizing self-cultivation and practical statecraft in plain, sincere language that combines philosophical reflection with administrative experience. The library holds 106 of his works, spanning inspirational growth, philosophy, prose and biography. The Zeng Guofan Family Letters are widely read and remain an important source for studying his thought and a lasting reference for personal conduct.