The "Exhibition on Chinese Genealogies, Household Mottos and Family Rules" was opened on September 11 at the catalog hall of the Shanghai Library. The library has selected excellent materials from its collection of hundreds of genealogies, dividing them into ten categories, including filial piety, self-cultivation, harmony, dedication to one’s career, good household, patriotism, loyalty, education, law-observation and honesty. The celebrity genealogies contain a lot of household mottos and family rules, mostly based on traditional Confucian ideology and teaching family members to be patriotic, dedicated to their careers, have positive attitude towards life, and abide by the principles of filial harmony and integrity.
The Shanghai Library has also selected stories about five historical figures in different periods of the Chinese history, highly praised for their lofty virtues. They set examples for filial piety, loyal behavior, incorruptible integrity, respect and modesty, and the commitment to education. It is hoped that through the exhibition of these stories, readers can perceive the beauty in life and acquire incentive to improve their own personalities.