"The noble is based on the humble, and the high and the low are the foundation" means that if you want to maintain long-term success and stability, you must build valuable things on an ordinary foundation. Princes consider themselves lonely and lack support, but this is not the reason for their success. Success comes from the stability and durability built on the foundation.

Origin?

This sentence comes from Chapter 39 of the Tao Te Ching by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu.

Excerpt from the original text?

If all things cannot survive, they will be destroyed; if the princes and kings are not noble enough, they will be crushed.

Therefore, it must be noble and base on base, and it must be high and base on base.

So the princes and kings claimed to be lonely, widowed, and helpless. Is this the root of their despicability? No!

Therefore, there are many praises but no reputations. I don’t want to be as dull as jade or as rough as stone.

Translation?

If something loses its underlying foundation, it may disappear. If princes and princes do not base themselves on something inferior, they will collapse.

Therefore, we must base ourselves on the humble and support ourselves on the noble.

Therefore, princes and princes would call themselves "lonely, widowed, and unworthy", but this is not because they are humble themselves.

Therefore, it is useless to pursue false fame. Don't be as easily injured as jade, and don't be as stiff as stone.

Appreciation?

What this passage expresses is the golden mean in Taoist thought, that is, maintaining inner balance and avoiding extremes can be long-term and sustainable. In this world, everything has its essence, and the most important thing is to stick to the essence, rather than blindly pursuing external vanity and superficial nobility.

Creative background?

"Tao Te Ching" is a philosophical classic written by the ancient Chinese philosopher Laozi. It mainly expresses Laozi's philosophical thoughts on life, society, nature, etc. . This scripture was written around the 5th century BC. At that time, China was in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. The country was divided, wars were frequent, and social unrest caused people to think about issues such as the value of life and social governance. Laozi's "Tao Te Ching" came into play. And born.

Notes

The golden mean: the path to avoid extremes and maintain inner balance.

Vanity: refers to the pursuit of superficial nobility and power while ignoring the inner essence.

Houwang: refers to the ruling class such as nobles and royal families.

Heaven and Earth: refers to the universe and nature.

Life Enlightenment

In life, this sentence also has many enlightening meanings. For example, at work, we may receive high salaries and higher positions, but if we neglect the basic work and lose focus on it, our success may be short-lived. In family life, we should also cherish ordinary days so that we can build a more stable and long-lasting family foundation.

From personal experience, I have found that in my work and life, only by doing ordinary things well can I pursue higher achievements on a solid foundation. Whether at work or in life, we should regard ordinary things as our foundation, cherish and maintain them, so that we can achieve higher goals.