The Research On Family Governing Thoughts Of Zeng Guofan

Zeng Guofan,as the leader of “four famous officials to rebuild Qing dynasty” in late Qing,is a remarkable figure in Chinese history,which was reputed as “three eternities,establishing good teachings,merits and virtue” by Liang Qichao.He plays a key role to make the Qing government rise again,and sets a good example in managing a family.Zeng Guofan’s thought about family management is not only inherited from traditional Confucius’ ideas but the essence from hundred masters.What’s more,his strict thought about family management still has many inspirations in today’s society.Thus,by analyzing Zeng Guofan’s thought and ways about family management,the paper provides a traditional source to manage a family in modern society.China is a country which poses an importance on family.A harmonious family is good for the harmony of society,so if a nation wants a long-term booming development,we need to manage our family.With the base of the diary and family letters written by Zeng Guofan,the paper has analyzed,and then classified the Zeng Guofan’s thought about family management.To explain this,the paper is divided into three parts:The first part is to study the importance of a family.Traditional China is patriarchal society with a same structure of “family and nation”.From the ancient times to now,people have paid more attention to the effects and place of family.Besides,the idea,“enrich yourself,administer country,and keep peace of a nation” has always been a value to lead people with lofty ideals in past times.The paper has analyzed Zeng Guofan’s family management which is affected by Confucius’ ideas,from the value of benevolence,moderation,knowledge and practice Zeng Guofan.The second part is to analyze Zeng Guofan’s thought about family management.As “filial piety and good heart,cultivation and study,and carefulness ”are the essence of Zeng Guofan’s thought to manege family,he regarded “filial piety and good heart” as the base of a peaceful and booming family,“cultivation and reading” as a crucial approach to family inheritance,and “carefulness” as the main method to cultivate ourselves.The third part has commented the inspirations on modern society from Zeng Guofan’s thought to manage a family.Thus,Zeng Guofan’s thought about family management has produced a striking influence on people to manage family,teaching offspring,managing relationship,establishing officer’s responsibility in later time,which is a good lesson for us.Additionally,for the limit of times,we should maintain a reasonable attitude to get the essence andeliminate unnecessary things.