"Don't bully the poor young people" means not to look down on the poor young people, because they have unlimited potential and possibilities.

Source

This sentence comes from the 46th chapter of Wu Jingzi's novel The Scholars in Qing Dynasty.

excerpts from the original text

"It is better to bully a white beard than a young man who is poor.

One day, the dragon will pierce the phoenix, and I don't believe that pants will pierce the hole forever. "

Translation

"I would rather look down on an old man with a white beard than a poor young man.

Because one day, even dragons and phoenixes will be impressed by them. Don't believe it, people will get rid of poverty one day. "

Appreciation

The Scholars is a novel that depicts the different expressions of various people about "fame and wealth" with realism, and criticizes the social phenomena and human ills at that time by satirizing and exposing the corruption of official administration, the shortcomings of imperial examinations and the hypocrisy of ethics. Among them, the famous saying "Don't bully the poor" is a classic quotation in the novel, which expresses the author's expectation for young people and appeal to society.

Creation background

The Qing Dynasty was the end of feudal society in China. During this period, there were serious class divisions and social injustice in China society, especially the existence of the imperial examination system aggravated social instability and turmoil, which made it difficult for many poor young people to obtain official positions and promotion opportunities. Wu Jingzi's The Scholars reveals and criticizes the social phenomena and ills in this period, and expresses his appeal for social reform and democratization.

Note

White beard refers to an elderly man with white hair;

piercing: refers to a hole.

Life Enlightenment

This sentence conveys a very important meaning, that is, don't despise young people, especially those who have not realized their dreams because of economic reasons. They may create remarkable achievements after experiencing the storms of life. This sentence also applies in life.

I once knew a young man who had been working in a small company since graduation, with low income and no social status. But he has been studying and thinking hard, constantly improving his ability, and finally successfully starting a business and realizing his ideal. If we had despised him and didn't give him a chance, we would have missed this young man with potential.

In addition, this sentence also reminds us not to only pay attention to superficial conditions, but neglect internal quality and ability. Sometimes, even if a person looks poor, he may have the spirit of perseverance and courage, and it is this quality that enables him to finally overcome difficulties and achieve success. Therefore, we should respect everyone, give them equal opportunities and attention, and don't despise them because of superficial conditions.

In short, whether in the workplace or in life, we should always keep in mind the spirit of "don't bully the poor", respect everyone's efforts and values, and don't easily evaluate and suppress them.