"Family is the first school, and parents are their children's first teachers."

Xi himself had benefited a lot from the education he received from his parents.

In a letter congratulating the birthday of his father, Xi Zhongxun, who was a Communist revolutionary, Xi listed the qualities he learned from his father: "First, I learned from father how to be upright person; second, I learned from father how to do things; third, I learned from father's perseverant pursuit of his faith; fourth, I learned from father's devotion to the country; and fifth, I learned from father's simple and frugal lifestyle."

It is under his father's influence that Xi has developed habits of frugality. When having a meal, Xi Zhongxun would pick up the last grain of rice left on the table and eat it, and sop up the broth left in the bowl with a steamed bun.

Xi also strongly opposed seeking privileges.

"Leading officials and cadres at all levels should teach their children to be law-abiding, frugal and self-reliant," he said.

Under the influence of his family tradition of self-discipline, Xi always told his relatives and acquaintances to "not engage in any commercial activities in places where I work, and not seek personal gains in my name."