Yan Shi Jia Xun

Written by Yan Zhitui during the period of the Southern and Northern dynasty (420-589), Admonitions for the Yan Clan has never been out of favour as the most influential and comprehensive book on family education in China. The author applies the Confucian theory of cultivating one's moral character to the development of family harmony and education. It admonishes offspring to study hard and become useful people when they grow up, and emphasizes applying what one has learned and serving one's country. Apart from its didactic value, the book - originally in seven volumes with 20 chapters - shed much light on history and social life in the period in which it was written. Containing cogent arguments, unique viewpoints and wide-ranging theories, it is acclaimed as the pioneer in family education.