What does it mean to raise a poor son and a rich daughter?

Of course, it applies, but many people misunderstand it and even force themselves to explain the meaning of this sentence with their own social experience. Although I don't know much about ancient Chinese, let me talk about my understanding of this sentence.

Whether raising children in poverty or raising daughters in wealth, it is actually necessary to discipline your children well and prevent them from forming some bad habits. The main meaning of this sentence is to tell future generations a way to raise children, which is just a kind of "parenting experience", not a truth or a wise saying, but a statement summarized by our ancestors according to their own experience.

Therefore, when it comes to parenting classics, ancient parenting experience must have something to learn from. If nothing else, just tell the story in the San Zi Jing. Many of them are especially suitable for modern people. Although the educational methods are changing, the purpose of education has hardly changed, so this sentence is applicable, but it can't be used completely.

Take the sentence "raising poor children" as an example. There is no need for children to experience a hard life, but I hope that children can experience such a life, enhance their willpower, and let them have a strong competitiveness in society in the future, so as to inherit the family business and bear the dual responsibilities of society and family. Moreover, poor support helps to shape a boy's character and easily awakens his enterprising heart. But this does not mean that a son must be poor. It depends on the child's nature and the way parents educate him. If parents spoil their children and let them form some bad habits, it will do harm to them, so it makes sense to raise children in poverty.

Let's talk about "rich adopted daughters". In ancient times, women were virtuous but not talented. However, in some specific dynasties, women needed diligence and virtue. If they are daughters of a big family, they may have to learn piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. There are many criteria to evaluate whether a woman is excellent or a good wife and mother. If a girl grows up in a rich family, she can be trained in all directions to make her better. But this is not absolute. It is also good for some girls from small families to adopt the method of "supporting the poor". Only teaching students in accordance with their aptitude varies from person to person. Not all girls should be raised well, and not all girls will become excellent if they are raised well.

So this sentence applies to modern society, but it cannot be imitated step by step. The society is changing, the environment is changing, and the way of raising and education is also changing. Whether poor or rich, the purpose is to train the next generation. That's all that matters.