Chinese proverb: “When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when prosperous, benefit the entire world”

The Confucian philosopher Mencius (391-308 B.C.E.) traveled from feudal court to feudal court during the Warring States Period which took place in the final years of the Zhou empire. He was seeking out the right lord that could put his teachings into practice. He believed that ending the conflict and unifying the states could only be accomplished by a leader possessing the proper moral qualities of a true king.

His conversations with warring lords, disciples, and other contemporaries were written down and compiled into the book Mencius. His insights have had a profound influence on Confucian thought and throughout Chinese culture.

Conducting oneself in a virtuous manner in adversity and success

One of his sayings that has had the biggest impact serves as a guide for how to conduct oneself in hardship and prosperity. “When poor, cultivate your own virtue; when prosperous, benefit the entire world.”

While the word “poor” is used, it is meant both literally and in a broader sense. In the case of someone who has few resources, make every effort to improve oneself despite the hardship. For those who are suffering setbacks in their career advancement, you should keep fulfilling your duties and cultivating your personal moral character. You should stick to your principles, avoid shortcuts, unvirtuous acts, or feeling resentment.

On the other hand, those who achieve success, should use their good fortune and influence to do good deeds that will benefit the people and the country. Examples of this ideal today are those who use their wealth to improve the lives of people through philanthropic acts or politicians that implement policies that improve the lot of all of society.

“One should be the first to bear hardships and the last to enjoy comforts”

A prime example of this philosophy can be found in Fan Zhongyan. He grew up poor but studied diligently and passed the highest imperial examination at age 26. Fan Zhongyan held several positions, including vice chancellor under the Song emperor Renzong. He was tasked with implementing a series of reforms but opposition from conservatives stymed those efforts and he was dismissed after a year.

Despite this setback he continued to do what he could to improve the lives of the people and in turn the country. Seeing that the country lacked enough talented people, he went about setting up schools. These efforts paid off with numerous talented scholars that emerged during the Song dynasty and beyond.

Fan Zhongyan is remembered not only as a prominent statesman and educator, but also as a talented writer. Among his most famous works is ‘Yue Yang Lou Ji’ (The Yueyang Tower), in which he said, “Good governance and harmonious society.”

Another often quoted saying from Fan Zhongyan that embodies Mencius’ thoughts on how to conduct oneself in a virtuous manner in adversity and success is: “One should be the first to bear hardships and the last to enjoy comforts.”

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