人穷志不穷 Poor in wealth, rich in spirit
Explanation
即使物质生活贫困，但志向却高远，意志坚强。形容人虽然贫穷，但志气不穷，意志坚定。
Even if the material life is poor, but the aspirations are high and the will is strong. Describes a person who, although poor, still has great courage and a firm will.
Origin Story
话说唐朝时期，有个叫李白的书生，家境贫寒，但他胸怀大志，立志要为国家做一番事业。他四处游历，写下许多传世名篇，但始终未能得到朝廷的重用。一次，他被贬官到偏远的山区，生活更加困苦，但他并没有因此而放弃自己的理想，依然坚持著写作，并不断地提升自己的学识。他常常告诫自己：“人穷志不穷，只要坚持下去，总有一天会实现自己的梦想！”他这种坚韧不拔的精神，最终感动了朝廷，他被重新起用，并被封为官职，他的诗篇也流传千古，成为中华文化的瑰宝。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was a scholar named Li Bai who came from a poor family, but he had great ambitions and was determined to make a contribution to his country. He traveled extensively, writing many famous poems, but he never received high office. Once, he was demoted to a remote mountain area, making his life even harder. But he didn't give up his ideals and continued to write while constantly improving his knowledge. He often told himself: "Even if one is poor, one should not lose heart. As long as you persevere, you will eventually realize your dreams!" His unwavering spirit eventually moved the court, he was reinstated, appointed to office, and his poems were passed down through the ages, becoming a treasure of Chinese culture.
Usage
用于形容一个人尽管贫穷，但意志坚定，志向远大。常用于赞扬人的精神品质。
Used to describe a person who, despite poverty, has a strong will and high aspirations. Often used to praise a person's spiritual quality.
Examples
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尽管家境贫寒，但他依然怀揣着远大的理想。
jǐnguǎn jiā jìng pín hàn, dàn tā yīrán huáicuáizhe yuǎndà de lǐxiǎng.
Despite his impoverished circumstances, he still harbored lofty ideals.
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虽然生活困苦，但他依然保持着乐观向上的精神，人穷志不穷。
suīrán shēnghuó kùnkǔ, dàn tā yīrán bǎochí zhe lèguān xiàngshàng de jīngshen, rén qióng zhì bù qióng
Although life was difficult, he still maintained an optimistic and positive spirit; his will wasn't impoverished even if he was materially poor