In China, I always admire the diligence of self -study employed by many of our students. They show that they are serious about learning their subjects efficiently and properly. They also indicate that they are aware that learning not only comes from being attentive in their classes, but also in learning their subjects more deeply. It is amazing to me that on the first day of the second semester, after a long month Spring Festival/Lunar New Year holiday, how many students are very carefully studying lessons even before their classes begin. I am always pleasantly surprised to see students filling the classrooms for self-study, or studying under an outdoor lamp. When I ask students what they have done on their holiday, many say that they have worked hard to improve their knowledge on different subject. If students are diligent in their studies, we may find that they are also later diligent in their work habits. Many Chinese students have a saying, "First study, then career, then love, then a family. I assume that their goals in such cases accept the concept of diligence at each stage of their lives, and find these goals to be very good, not only in their own development, but also for the development of China.
At the same time, we have a nursery rhyme in America and England, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." So, it is very important that while we are being diligent about our study or work, that we also know the significance of balancing these efforts with an ability to enjoy other parts of our lives. We do not want to be "workaholic" where we have no" time for other aspects of our lives. The American saying, "I have no time to stop and. smell the roses," means that we do not have a proper balance between the demands of study or work with other parts of our experiences which will help us to enjoy happy lives. The Roman poet Horace had an idea that is worth remembering. He said that the small ship should not stay too close to the shore where it might capsize on the rocks, nor too far out in the ocean where it might be overturned by the waves, but should always seek the middle way." This means that all that we do should be done with diligence but also with moderation.