be content with poverty and delight in the Way; find happiness in simple, moral living
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to be content with poverty and take pleasure in upholding one's principles
literaryOriginally a Confucian virtue, describing a noble character who maintains integrity and joy despite material hardship. It carries a commendatory tone, often used in literary or formal contexts.
Gǔ古
dài代
xǔ许
duō多
shèng圣
xián贤
dōu都
néng能
ān安
pín贫
lè乐
dào道
，
bù不
mù慕
róng荣
huá华
fù富
guì贵
。
Many sages in ancient times could be content with poverty and delight in the Way, not coveting wealth and glory.
Tā他
suī虽
rán然
shēng生
huó活
qīng清
kǔ苦
，
dàn但
qián潜
xīn心
yán研
jiū究
xué学
wèn问
，
kě可
wèi谓
ān安
pín贫
lè乐
dào道
。
Although his life is simple and hard, he devotes himself to scholarly research, truly embodying the spirit of being content with poverty and delighting in the Way.
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Ān安
pín贫
lè乐
dào道
shì是
yī一
zhǒng种
gāo高
shàng尚
de的
jīng精
shén神
jìng境
jiè界
。
Being content with poverty and delighting in the Way is a noble spiritual state.