The allusion of "taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall" comes from "taking copper as a mirror, we can straighten our clothes" in Wei Zhi Biography, an old Tang book. Take people as a mirror, you can know the gains and losses; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall. "It means using copper as a mirror to check whether the clothes are neat; Taking people as a mirror, you can examine your own advantages and disadvantages; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the reasons for the rise and fall of a country.
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Anecdotal allusions
In the seventeenth year of Zhenguan in the Tang Dynasty (AD 643), Wei Zhi, who dared to speak out, died of illness. Emperor Taizong was very sad. He said with tears: "My husband can dress himself up with copper as a mirror; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall; Take people as a mirror, you can know the gains and losses. Wei Zhi didn't, I died a mirror! "
"A person with copper as a mirror can see whether the clothes and hats are properly dressed; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the reasons for the rise and fall of the country; Looking at people as a mirror, you can find your own right and wrong. After Kevin·Z died, I lost a good mirror. " -This is the best interpretation of Wei Zhi's life value. Now there is also a saying that "taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall", which also means this.
Using copper as a mirror can tidy up a person's clothes; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the ups and downs in history; Take others as a mirror and you can know your own gains and losses every day. (Emperor Taizong)
Song Ouyang Xiu and Song Qi Xintang Book Volume 1 10 Biography 22? Wei Zhi: "With copper as a mirror, you can be a teacher; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall; Learn from others, and you will know the gains and losses. I have tried to protect these three lessons, and I defend myself from the heart. Today, Wei Zhi died, and so will he. "
Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of Tang Dynasty, loves to listen to and make good use of various suggestions, and understands the truth that "listening to others is bright, while being eccentric is dark". Zheng Wei, an admonisher, went to Chen Qi for dozens of times and advised Taizong to reflect on himself, be prepared for danger in times of peace, treat others with courtesy and take good advice.
After the death of Wei Zhi, Emperor Taizong personally mourned and sighed: "Taking copper as a mirror can make you dignified and tidy when wearing it; Taking history as a mirror, we can know the rise and fall of existence since the dynasties; Taking people as a mirror' is deeply impressed by people's behavior, so as to understand their own gains and losses. I have kept these three mirrors in case I pass by. Now that Wei Zhi is dead, so am I. "
"Take people as mirrors". It means learning from others. That is, learn from its successes and failures, so as to avoid repeating the same mistakes.