Personal Motto, in Semicursive Script (Xingshu)
Artist
Mo Shilong
(Chinese, 1537 - 1587)
Date1578
DynastyMing dynasty (1368-1644)
MaterialsInk on paper
DimensionsH. 7 1/2 in x W. 53 1/4 in, H. 19 cm x W. 135.3 cm (image); H. 10 1/2 in, 26.7 cm (overall)
Credit LineThe Yeh Family Collection
Object number2013.22
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsPainting
On View
Not on viewSignedDate: 戊寅七月廿有二日書於師古齋中。
Artist signature: 友弟莫云卿。
Inscribed余見今之學者率有自欺之病。此病一萌百病交至, 精神恍惚, 自然見於眉睫, 而讒諂面謏乘虛而攻。始然自欺, 終為人所狎侮, 玩弄若嬰兒、彈丸, 展轉不己, 則本心之明蔽塞殆盡, 無少空隙, 不為下愚之歸吾不信也。故學者先需自心上日夕勘過, 若磨鏡然。物來自見, 不用於智臆逆。君子所以心逸日休, 弗為外境毀譽是非搖奪者, 特有此耳。聖賢正學大抵莫要於誠意, 先儒謂之人鬼關, 於此打澈便是致知格物, 何物鬼魅能弄精神？偶於安之座次有感, 因隨筆記之, 且銘之於坐, 因以自警。
