From "The Book of Changes".

"Tian Xingjian" comes from "The Book of Changes": "When Tian Xingjian is strong, a gentleman will strive for self-improvement" (Qian Gua), "The terrain is Kun, and a gentleman will carry things with great virtue" (Kun Gua).

It means: the movement of heaven (i.e. nature) is strong and strong, corresponding to this, a gentleman should be resolute and strong, and work hard; the momentum of the earth is thick and gentle, a gentleman should increase his virtue and accommodate all things. .

Translated as: A gentleman should be like the sky, which is constantly moving, even if you are displaced, you will not give in. If you are a gentleman, your belly should be like the earth, and there is nothing that cannot be carried.

Extended meaning

Only a person with profound moral character can become a pillar; only a person who strengthens himself can become a hero! Just as Interpretation 3 says that people should look toward heaven and earth, learn to be strong and tolerant, and move toward success in stability!

In 1914, Liang Qichao went to Tsinghua University and gave a speech "On Gentlemen" to the Tsinghua students at the time in Tongfang Department. In his speech, he hoped that Tsinghua students could inherit the traditional Chinese virtues and quoted " Words such as "continuous self-improvement" and "benevolent virtues" in the Book of Changes are used to inspire Tsinghua students.

After that, Tsinghua people wrote the eight words "continuous self-improvement and moral integrity" into the Tsinghua school regulations, which later gradually evolved into the Tsinghua motto.