"since ancient times, generals and prime ministers have all been born in poverty." Refers to talents born from poor families.
General: general;
Phase: Prime Minister;
Poor family.
Reasons for "Cold is inevitable since ancient times":
If you are poor, you will get through, and the general rules will remain unchanged, and change will last for a long time. Only when everything is lacking will you think of trying to earn these things. Children from wealthy families don't have this awareness.
Related proverbs include: "Heroes have suffered a lot since ancient times, and they have never been very handsome", "Your son was born in poverty, and adversity made a talent".