我們生長在一個不幸的時代。世間上的誘惑力太厲害了，令人紙醉金迷，利令智昏。日新月異的科學發明，令人把「根本」都忘了。在這個不幸的時代中，若是能認識環境而不隨波逐流，不同流合污，就能改變你的命運，作一個幸運的人。

We live in an unfortunate time. The temptations of this world are too powerful and make people indulge in a wanton life. Profits dim their wisdom. Rapid scientific development has caused people to forget their foundation. During this unfortunate time, if we can recognize the situation and not go along with it, we'll be able to change our destiny and become fortunate people.

我們人的根本是什麼呢？孔子說：「君子務本，本立而道生。孝悌也者，其為仁之本歟。」人的根本就是「孝悌」兩個字。在西方，人人都忘本了，根本就不知道什麼是「孝悌」；這就好像把樹木的根刨出來一樣－－樹若是沒有根，或者露到泥土上，這個樹就會倒塌。人若是不懂得「孝」義，也等於樹木沒紮下根一樣，如何成一個有用的人呢？

What is the basis for being a person? Confucius said, "A superior person devotes himself to the foundation. When the foundation is established, the Way will come forth. Filiality and fraternal respect are the basis of humaneness." So the basis of a person is "filiality and fraternal respect." But in the West people neglect this foundation. They don't even know what filiality and fraternal respect are. This is just like digging out the roots of a tree. If a tree has no roots, or the roots are exposed, then the tree will fall. People who don't understand filiality and fraternal respect are just like trees without roots. How can they be useful?

君子要務本。在家要孝順父母，悌敬兄長。要幫助家裏的操作，不可好吃懶作。若能找到根本，那麼，就在這個世運不安、不幸的時代裏，能作一個卓然獨立、出類拔萃的幸運人。小朋友！你們應該作－－

A superior person devotes himself to the foundation. At home you should be filial to your parents and respectful towards your siblings, help with the housework, and not be a lazy glutton. If you pay attention to the basics, you can become an outstanding and fortunate person in this turbulent time. Young friends, make yourselves into

疾風中之硬燭，

烈火裏的精金。

Strong candles in the gusty wind;               

Pure gold in the blazing fire.

風愈大，這根蠟燭愈燒得光亮。人人顛倒發狂，而你不受物欲所誘惑，不同流合污，這就像疾風中之硬燭，真金是不怕火煉。你如何燒它，其份量不減，因為這個金是純真的。你們要像真金，任何烈火也燒不壞。

The gustier the wind, the brighter the candle burns. Other people may become mad and deluded, but you won't be tempted by material desires; you won't go along with the crowd. Be like a strong candle in the gusty wind. Pure gold is not afraid of being smelted in the blazing fire. No matter how you smelt it, it will not lessen, because it is pure. You should be like pure gold that cannot be harmed by any fire.