Wealth can't be lewd, poverty can't be moved, and power can't be bent. From Mencius and Teng Wengong.
It means that when you have money, you can control yourself from profligacy; Don't change your will when you are poor; You can't change your attitude under the influence of power. This is a real man.
Mencius mentioned these famous three sentences when he talked with the militarist disciple Jing Chun about "what is a gentleman". In Mencius' view, the real "gentleman" should not be based on the level of power, but should be able to stabilize the "moral anchor" in his heart. In the face of different life situations such as wealth, poverty and power, he can adhere to the principle of "benevolence, righteousness and propriety" and advance and retreat with Tao.
Extended data
Mencius mentioned these famous three sentences when he talked with the militarist disciple Jing Chun about "what is a gentleman". In Mencius' view, the real "gentleman" should not be based on the level of power, but should be able to stabilize the "moral anchor" in his heart. In the face of different life situations such as wealth, poverty and power, he can adhere to the principle of "benevolence, righteousness and propriety" and advance and retreat with Tao.
Excerpt from the original text: Mencius said, "What is a gentleman?" Haven't you learned manners? The husband's crown is also the father's life; When the woman got married, she was ordered by her mother to deliver it to her door, saying,' When you go to your daughter's house, you must respect it and not disobey your master!'
He who takes obedience as the right path is also a concubine. Live in a vast place in the world, stand in the right position in the world and be the best self in the world. Success, with the people; Go your own way when you are frustrated. Wealth can't be lewd, poverty can't be moved, and power can't be bent. This is called a gentleman. "
Mencius said, "How can this be regarded as an ambitious and accomplished person?" Haven't you learned manners? When the man was crowned, his father punished him; When a woman gets married, her mother exhorts her and walks her to the door, warning her:' When you get to your husband's house, you must be respectful and careful, and don't disobey your husband!'
Obedience is a woman's way. Living in the widest house in the world, standing in the most correct position in the world and walking on the widest road in the world; When you can realize your ideals, follow the people on the right path; When you can't realize your ideal, you can go your own way alone. Wealth cannot confuse his thoughts, poverty cannot shake his integrity, and power cannot bend his will. This is an ambitious and accomplished man. "