【The 12 Great Life Wisdoms of Zeng Guofan】

1. Be true to yourself in your actions, and act according to your role.

2. One must behave like a human being, but not like a government official.

3. If you offend everyone, then you have offended no one.

4. Places with benefits are often the most slippery; it's hard to climb up and stand firm.

5. Silence is a form of attitude; procrastination is also a method.

6. Don't be afraid of criticism from the masses; be afraid if they don't seek you out.

7. You can offend busy people, but you cannot offend idle people.

8. Small victories rely on intelligence, while great victories depend on virtue.

9. Do not act according to whims, and do not speak carelessly.

10. Those who are good at observing others will observe themselves; those who are good at self-observation will understand their hearts.

11. Put in effort not too forcefully, but consistently.

12. A gentleman thinks more than he acts, speaks less than he keeps silent, and has less talent than he accumulates virtue.