Lin Zexu has many famous sayings, here are a few:
1. If my descendants are like me, they will keep money for nothing. If they are virtuous and rich, it will harm their aspirations; if their descendants are not as good as me, What to do with the money? If you are stupid and have more wealth, you will increase your faults.
2. Learn the enemy’s skills to defeat them.
3. The three yang states of Kaiyuan Jing can detect the fragrance of flowers and the spring of a tree.
4. The sea that accepts hundreds of rivers is great when it has tolerance; the one who stands thousands of feet high on a wall without desires is strong.
5. Live and die for the benefit of the country, why should you avoid it because of misfortunes and blessings? How can you be so generous? If you have no desires, you will be a master for a hundred generations. Martial arts are used to defend borders and repel tigers and leopards, and essays and reasoning are combined with poetry. To be an official, one must be upright in mind and body, and have a reputation for unparalleled achievements.
6. If the opium supply is not exhausted for a day, and this minister will not return for a day, I swear to stay committed to this matter, and there will be no reason to stop.
7. From the sea to the boundless sky, I am the shore; when the mountain reaches its peak, I am the peak.
8. How can I satisfy everyone’s wishes, but I just want to be worthy of my heart.
9. Sheyan leaves good words in spring, and spring is always there in the valleys where there is no cold.