"If the country has the Way, then one can be an official; if the country has no Way, one can take care of it" comes from "The Analects of Confucius·Ji Shi". The meaning of this sentence is that if the country has good morals and good governance, then people should engage in official positions; if the country lacks morals and good governance, then people can choose to retire and maintain inner peace.

In ancient Chinese Confucianism, the relationship between individuals and society was emphasized. This sentence expresses a reflection on social conditions and a personal response.