17. 读书无论资性高低 立身不嫌家世贫贱
17. Aptitude is not a decisive factor in study; poor family status does not affect personal establishment.

读书无论资性 ^① 高低，但能勤学好问，凡事思一个所以然，自有义理贯通之日。立身 ^② 不嫌家世贫贱，但能忠厚老成，所行无一毫苟且处，便为乡党仰望之人。

【中文注释】

① 资性：天资，天分，悟性。

② 立身：为人处事。

【今文解译】

读书不论天资高低，只要勤学好问，凡事都探个究竟，自会有明白其中含义和道理的那一天。

立身无关家世贫贱，只要忠厚老实，从来不做有失体统的事情，就一定会成为众所敬仰的人。

【English Translation】

Human intelligence is not a factor so decisive in study. As long as you can learn and consult unceasingly, and probe into the whys and wherefores of difficult points, there must be a day when you penetrate the meaning and reasons in the books.

Poor family status is not a thing so important for gaining a place in society. As long as you can behave yourself in a way of honesty and kindheartedness, and do nothing against public ethics, you will surely be a person respected by all the surrounding people. mOxsK4dJ9ujTdXax3j9M55FZSep7qyFQHsgp9iL0IO6b9Ye3VVQE8kJAmClfdvBl