Source: Mencius
Author: Mencius
Creation year: Pre-Qin Dynasty
Original: live in the world, stand in the right position in the world, and do the world's way; Success depends on the people, not alone; Wealth can't be lewd, poverty can't be moved, and power can't be bent. This is called a gentleman.
When you can realize your ideal, you should follow the right path with the people. If you can't realize your ideal, you should walk on this right path alone. Wealth can't confuse his thoughts, poverty can't change his ethics, and power can't yield to his will. This is called a gentleman.
Extended data evaluation
Mencius' words show a methodology of Confucianism to realize self-worth, that is, to realize the survival and development of individuals first, and then realize the value of individuals to society. This forceful statement expressed a patriot's broad mind and was regarded as a motto by later generations. It is not easy to "aspire to the people", and it is even more difficult to "be independent".
A man lives in poverty and poverty, but his ambition remains the same. Without noble sentiment and strong will, it is impossible for him to continue to cultivate his morality, abide by morality and be an upright gentleman on earth. Poverty is the hardest thing without falling into the blue sky.
This is the embodiment of Confucianism's feelings of self-cultivation and helping the family, and it is also the way for traditional scholars to establish themselves. The poor are all foreign affairs, and only morality is fundamental. Therefore, we can be honest and upright.