
A timeless guide written for heads of households, this text begins by urging parents to shape their children’s character with both firmness and affection. It stresses that true learning lies not only in classical books but in daily practice, urging families to weave respect, honesty and modesty into every interaction. The author frames the work as a practical companion for keeping a household orderly and harmonious.
The treatise moves through core relationships—how parents should nurture sons, how brothers ought to support one another, and how remarriage can be handled without causing discord. It offers concrete advice on recognizing a child’s temperament, balancing praise with correction, and using gentle discipline to foster filial devotion. Historical anecdotes illustrate the consequences of neglecting these duties, reminding readers that a well‑run home mirrors the stability of a well‑governed state.
Though rooted in ancient Chinese tradition, the principles of clear communication, mutual respect and measured authority remain relevant for modern listeners seeking a thoughtful framework for family life.
Language
zh
Duration
~44 minutes (42K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2008-05-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects
531–591
A scholar-official who lived through one of early medieval China’s most turbulent eras, he is best remembered for turning hard-won experience into practical writing that lasted for centuries. His best-known work, Family Instructions for the Yan Clan, blends moral advice, education, and everyday wisdom in a voice that still feels direct and human.
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