Thousand Characters

Chapter 21

[Original text]

Learn to be an official, and take up a job in politics.Save Gan Tang, go and benefit Yong.

【Note】

Deng Shi: To be an official, to be an official.Politics: Govern the political affairs of the country.Gantang: Gantang tree, also known as Du pear tree.Minister Zhou Zhaobo of the Zhou Dynasty, who assisted King Cheng of Zhou in governing the country, visited the south and rested under a Gantang tree. Later generations could not bear to cut down the Gantang tree because they missed him.Benefits: more, multiplied.Chant: Praise.These four sentences are the virtues that an official should possess.In ancient times, the purpose of people's learning was to use the acquired knowledge to govern the country, making the country richer and stronger, and people's lives happier.But not everyone can be an official, only the best students can be engaged in governing the country.Once these people become officials, they must serve the people with all their heart, so that people will love and miss him.

【Interpretation】

People with excellent academic performance have the opportunity to be officials and participate in the political affairs of governing the country.Once you become an official and participate in the affairs of governing the country, you should do your best to leave good virtues and achievements like Zhou Zhaobo in the Western Zhou Dynasty; in this way, people will be remembered and praised after death.

【allusion】

Gantangshu King Wu of Zhou established the Zhou Dynasty, but not long after, King Wu of Zhou fell ill and died.After his death, his son Zhou Chengwang succeeded to the throne.Since King Zhou Cheng was still young and ignorant at that time, Zhou Zhaobo and Zhou Gongdan jointly took on the important task of assisting King Zhou Cheng in governing the country.According to legend, once Zhou Zhaobo was ordered to go to the south for inspection. The long journey and exhaustion made him unable to sustain his physical strength, so he leaned under a tall Gantang tree by the roadside to rest for a while.Even so, he still did not forget the king's entrustment, and dealt with political affairs while resting.The entourage and the passing people were all moved by his dedicated spirit.After Zhou Zhaobo's death, people couldn't bear to cut down the Gantang tree to commemorate his merits.

(End of this chapter)