曾国藩初入官场，某日进京，按惯例拜访同乡长官。这天大雨滂沱，一路泥泞。主人外出未归，仆人让他稍候。此时厅堂空无一人，他却正襟危坐，神态肃然。几个时辰过去，主人迟迟未归，他只好告辞。不久主人归来，仆人告知此事。主人听罢，细看他坐过的椅子，吃惊叫道：快去把那人追回来，我们家乡要出大人物了。何以如此？原来，曾国藩所坐椅下，有两个清楚的脚印，不偏不倚，端端正正。这说明他数个时辰岿然不动、稳如泰山。一个有如此坚韧毅力、精勤意志的人，岂能久居人下？
Footprints in the future
Zheng Guofan first joined the officialdom, one day in Beijing, according to the custom of visiting fellow. It rained heavily, muddy. When owners did not return, the servant asked him to hold on. The hall was empty, he sit square, look in awe. A few hours in the past, the owner has not come back, he had to leave. Soon the owner returned, the servant told. The master said, "he is sitting on the chair, surprised shouted: go and put the people back home, we have a big shot. Why is this so? Originally, Zheng Guofan chair, there are two distinct footprints, avoid leaning to either side, straight. This means he is several hour steadfastly stand on one's ground, be as steady as Mount tai. One such perseverance, diligence will of the people, can remain long in a lowly position?
