大学-学习古文,学习礼仪 1.26

The essence of the university's philosophy lies in the cultivation of virtue, filial piety towards the people, and the pursuit of ultimate goodness. It emphasizes that understanding one’s limits leads to stability; stability enables tranquility; tranquility fosters peace of mind; peace of mind allows for careful consideration; and careful consideration results in true understanding. Each thing has its root and branches; every matter has its beginning and end. Recognizing this sequence brings one closer to the principles of natural development.

Historically, those who aimed to illuminate virtue across the realm began with governing their own states. To govern a state well, one must first balance and manage their family; to manage a family properly, one must cultivate personal character. The foundation of personal cultivation starts with rectifying the heart; rectifying the heart depends on sincere intentions; sincere intentions arise from acquiring knowledge. Knowledge is attained through the diligent study and comprehension of all things. This process—investigating objects to reach understanding—forms the pathway to wisdom.

Only after thorough investigation does understanding deepen; with deep understanding, sincerity develops; sincerity leads to heart correction; a correct heart facilitates moral self-cultivation; moral cultivation enables effective family management; good family management ensures proper governance of the state; good governance results in peace throughout the world. From the emperor to common people, everyone regards self-cultivation as fundamental. Disruption at this root makes proper management of family, state, and world impossible. Prioritizing secondary matters while neglecting the foundation results in disorder—an impossibility in achieving true success.