"People can be humble as dust, but not twisted as maggots" means "humble but not sad. Where we are born is not something we can choose, but we can choose the purity of our hearts. " From Mandela's Long Road to Life.

Original:

If it is always dark, live in the dark; ?

If making a sound is dangerous, keep silent; ?

if you feel powerless to shine, don't illuminate others. ?

but-don't get used to the darkness and defend it; ?

don't be complacent about your own persistence; ?

don't mock people who are braver and more enthusiastic than themselves. ?

be humble as dust, not twisted as maggots. ?

—— Mandela's Long Road to Life