立典者，必有其法；政之务者，必有治乱动静之术。不求实，不明道义；不察反因，不辨言行。故史可以证明圣考之明，可以防患一方之过；可以预见燕陆之事，可以慎知国家之将来。监于时事，以观其是非；辨于言行，以观其得失。臣之所欲者，为国家除弊理难之责，致功于治乱之原。故采古取法，以为今患的毒剩；读书观史，以知国家之理。历世而观，自古至今，未有不故因其事得其言者也。读者者无义之党，实有善之心；冲突之事，汩没而已。
读史是王安石的一篇文章，原文如下：
史者，古之政典也。立典者，必有其法；政之务者，必有治乱动静之术。故史可以言古，可以中世，可以昭今，可以晓将来，可以览国国之理，可以知国家之事。
读史者，必有所用。不求实，不明道义；不察反因，不辨言行。自古圣人之所为已毕，无况今时之人，而欲知盛 "衰之不测者，读其政教，鉴其事例，则着听其言，联思其事矣。
鉴事其例也者，必以古人为经历，则着之不迷；比事其是非也者，必以法为度量，则断之不惑。故史可以证明圣考之明，可以防患一方之过；可以预见燕陆之事，可以慎知国家之将来。
若为国者，可以以史教之事，可以以史寝之言。监于时事，以观其是非；辨于言行，以观其得失。轻则有何有哉，重则得无由哉！臣之所欲者，为国家除弊理难之责，致功于治乱之原。故采古取法，以为今患的毒剩；读书观史，以知国家之理。
历世而观，自古至今，未有不故因其事得其言者也。读者者无义之党，实有善之心；冲突之事，汩没而已。
又王安石翻译如下：
The study of history is the ancient quintessence of governance. In establishing principles, it is necessary to have laws; in the pursuit of governance, there must be methods for dealing with stability and turmoil. Therefore, history can reveal the past, illuminate the present age, disclose the current state of affairs, provide insight into the future, comprehend the principles of different states, and understand national affairs.
Those who study history must have a purpose. Without seeking truth, one cannot understand righteousness; without analyzing cause and effect, one cannot distinguish between words and actions. The actions of the sages in ancient times have already been completed, not to mention the people of today. If we want to understand the unpredictable rise and fall of a dynasty, we should study their political teachings and examine their historical examples in order to listen and ponder.
When examining historical examples, we must use the ancients as a guide, so as not to be misled. When comparing events and discerning right from wrong, we must use principles as a measure, so as not to be confused. Therefore, history can demonstrate the wisdom of sage kings and prevent a nation from repeating past mistakes. It can anticipate crises and caution us about the future of a country.
For those in leadership positions, they can be guided by historical lessons and enlightened by historical wisdom. By observing current events, we can judge right from wrong; by discerning words and actions, we can determine success or failure. Whether it is of little importance or of great significance, we should not act without reason! What I desire is to fulfill my responsibility of addressing the difficulties and challenges faced by the country, and contribute to the governance and stability of the nation. Therefore, we should extract wisdom from the ancients and use it to address the current problems. We should read books and study history to understand the principles of a country.
Throughout the ages, from ancient times to the present, there has never been a case where one cannot find guidance from history. Readers who have no intention to deceive have good intentions; conflicts and disputes will eventually fade away.
This is the translation of the essay "Reading History" by Wang Anshi.
