Zeng Guofan‘s family motto emphasized the virtue of forbearance. He famously said, “Harmony can dispel grievances; forbearance is enough to ward off disaster.” This highlights the essential role of harmony in resolving conflicts among people, fostering ‘family harmony,’ and contributing to overall prosperity. For individuals, practicing forbearance is crucial for overcoming life’s adversities and setbacks, thereby establishing the groundwork for personal happiness and achievement.
Zeng Guofan, a man of kindness, humility, and self-restraint
When Zeng Guofan was promoted to second-ranking official, he could ride in a green sedan chair carried by eight bearers. However, being a man of frugality and modesty, he continued using a simpler blue sedan chair carried by only four bearers. According to protocol, yielding was customary if a blue sedan chair encountered a green one. Failure to do so could lead to the bearers of the green sedan chair asserting their right, potentially through physical means.
One day, while Zeng Guofan was riding in a blue sedan chair on a narrow road, a green sedan chair approached from behind. According to custom, the blue sedan chair was not obligated to yield. Nevertheless, Zeng instructed his bearers to make way. Despite this gesture, the green sedan chair still couldn’t pass. In response, the bearers of the green sedan chair swiftly lifted the curtain of Zeng’s sedan chair, pulled him out, and administered two slaps to his face without hesitation.
Ironically, the occupant of the green sedan chair was only a third-ranking official, one level below Zeng. Upon realizing his mistake, the official quickly knelt to apologize. Despite expectations of retaliation, Zeng surprised everyone by helping the official to his feet and sincerely stating: “My sedan chair indeed obstructed your path. Please resume your journey.”
Despite the unexpected slap, Zeng remained composed and instructed his sedan bearers to always yield to green sedans, regardless of the occupants’ rank.
A kind heart is rewarded
Zeng Guofan once said: “A nobleman avoids three fights: Do not compete with a gentleman for reputation, do not contend with a villain for profit, do not vie with heaven and earth for cleverness.”
His philosophy emphasizes avoiding unnecessary conflicts to prevent entanglement in deceit and schemes, steering clear of making excessive enemies through competition, and saving time by not comparing oneself to others. By focusing on practical matters and maintaining a positive outlook, Zeng achieved the remarkable feat of advancing to 10 official levels within nine years.
Zeng’s perseverance and thoroughness enabled him to dedicate valuable time to forming and training the Hunan army. Amid challenges during the Qing Dynasty, while others struggled to mobilize local militias, Zeng transformed them into a formidable force, establishing the powerful Hunan army. The key to Zeng’s success lay in his ability to cultivate, accumulate, and develop strength through forbearance. While wise individuals focus on skill refinement, the imprudent often seeks shortcuts.
In his childhood, Zeng Guofan was not particularly talented. One night, he struggled to memorize a passage despite repeated attempts. Undeterred, he persisted in his studies with unwavering determination.
Coincidentally, a thief had sneaked into Zeng’s house, expecting an easy target in the sleeping scholar. Surprisingly, the thief observed Zeng still awake and studying diligently as the night continued. Unable to contain his curiosity, the thief exclaimed: “With your level of competence, why struggle so hard? I can memorize a passage after hearing it just three times.” The thief fluently recited the passage before Zeng and departed to prove his point.
The thief, though naturally talented beyond Zeng, wasted his abilities by using them to commit wrongdoing. In contrast, Zeng Guofan diligently and honestly pursued learning, tirelessly improving himself through relentless effort. His dedication ultimately paid off, transforming him into a rare talent of feudal society, one celebrated for his achievements, virtues, and eloquence — the epitome of the “Three Immortal Qualities.” Zeng’s profound mastery of forbearance exemplified his unwavering commitment to excellence.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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