The head of the four famous ministers of the late Qing Dynasty, Zeng Guofan, can be called the best among the people. A native of Changsha, Hunan, with a prominent background, he was born in a family of landlords and was the seventieth grandson of Zengzi (Zongsheng). Historically, Zeng Guofan was revered as a "model of mediocrity". He has shown a tenacious character, has been diligent and studious since childhood, and has a strong sense of self-discipline.
In his early years, Zeng Guofan expressed a profound outlook on life. He said, "If you are not a sage, you are a beast", and "the heart is bitter, and the matter is prosperous". This is not to demean oneself or others, but to express a tolerant mindset. Even if others are in a worrying situation, Zeng Guofan is still willing to tolerate each other like a mother. This philosophy runs through Zeng Guofan's career path.
Zeng Guofan became a jinshi in the eighteenth year of Daoguang and officially embarked on his official career. At first, he was a petty official with few rights. However, with the passage of time, Zeng Guofan's career can be described as smooth sailing. In the twenty-ninth year of Daoguang, he successively served as the right waiter of the Ministry of Rites, the left waiter of the Ministry of War, and the left waiter of the Ministry of Works. During this time, Tsang showed countless tolerances for others, friend and foe.
The heart is bitter, and the matter is prosperous", this philosophical thought ran through Zeng Guofan's life. When facing suffering in life, you need to be patient, wait for the suffering to pass, and eventually wait for the glory of your career. Zeng Guofan used thunderous means, but revealed the bodhisattva's heart. He is the author of a highly regarded book, The Ting Jing.
Zeng Guofan's life wisdom not only comes from hard study and deep thinking, but also inseparable from rich life experience. As a result, many people enjoy reading Tsang's writings because the life revelations contained in them have had a profound impact on them.