安贫守道 ānpín shǒudào Content with Poverty and Upholding Virtue

Explanation

安贫守道指安于贫穷,坚持自己的道德信仰和原则。

Anpin Shoudao means to be content with poverty and to adhere to one's moral beliefs and principles.

Origin Story

话说汉朝时期,有个名叫杨震的官员,以清廉正直闻名于世。他一生清贫,不慕名利,即使在担任州牧这样重要的职位时,也依然保持着简朴的生活。有一次,他到一个地方去视察工作,当地的一个富商想送给他很多金银财宝,希望得到他的关照。杨震坚决拒绝了,说:“我虽然很穷,但也要安贫守道,绝不会为了钱财而丧失我的原则。”这位富商羞愧地离开了。杨震的故事流传至今,成为后人学习的典范。他不但安于贫穷,而且还守住了自己的道德底线,成为了安贫守道的最佳诠释。

huà shuō hàn cháo shíqī, yǒu gè míng jiào yáng zhēn de guānyuán, yǐ qīnglián zhèngzhí wénmíng yú shì. tā yīshēng qīngpín, bù mù mínglì, jíshǐ zài dànrèn zhōumù zhèyàng zhòngyào de zhíwèi shí, yě yīrán bǎochí zhe jiǎnpǔ de shēnghuó. yǒu yī cì, tā dào yīgè dìfāng qù shìchá gōngzuò, dāngdì de yīgè fùshāng xiǎng sòng gěi tā hěn duō jīnyín cáibǎo, xīwàng dédào tā de guānzhào. yáng zhēn jiānjué jùjué le, shuō: ‘wǒ suīrán hěn qióng, dàn yě yào ānpín shǒudào, jué bù huì wèile qiáncái ér sàngshī wǒ de yuánzé.’ zhè wèi fùshāng xiūkuì de líkāi le. yáng zhēn de gùshì liúchuán zhì jīn, chéngwéi hòurén xuéxí de diǎnfàn. tā bùdàn ānyú pínqióng, érqiě hái shǒuzhù le zìjǐ de dàodé dǐxiàn, chéngwéi le ānpín shǒudào de zuìjiā qiǎnshì.

In the Han Dynasty, there was an official named Yang Zhen, known for his integrity and uprightness. He lived a life of poverty, not seeking fame or fortune, and maintained a simple lifestyle even while holding important positions. Once, during an inspection, a wealthy merchant offered him numerous gold and silver treasures, hoping for favors. Yang Zhen firmly refused, stating, "Although I am poor, I shall live in poverty and virtue, and never compromise my principles for wealth." The merchant left in shame. Yang Zhen's story continues to inspire, showcasing his contentment with poverty and adherence to morality, perfectly embodying Anpin Shoudao.

Usage

用于形容一个人安于贫穷,不追求物质享受,坚持自己的道德原则。

yòng yú xíngróng yīgè rén ānyú pínqióng, bù zhuīqiú wùzhì xiǎngshòu, jiānchí zìjǐ de dàodé yuánzé

Used to describe someone who is content with poverty, does not pursue material enjoyment, and adheres to their moral principles.

Examples

  • 他一生安贫守道,淡泊名利。

    tā yīshēng ānpín shǒudào, dàn bó mínglì

    He lived a life of poverty and virtue, indifferent to fame and wealth.

  • 即使生活困苦,也要安贫守道,保持高尚的品格。

    jíshǐ shēnghuó kùnkǔ, yě yào ānpín shǒudào, bǎochí gāoshàng de pǐnggé

    Even if life is difficult, one should live in poverty and uphold one's principles.

  • 这位学者安贫守道,潜心研究,最终取得了巨大成就。

    zhè wèi xuézhě ānpín shǒudào, qiányín yánjiū, zuìzhōng qǔdé le jùdà chéngjiù

    This scholar lived a life of poverty and virtue, dedicating himself to his studies and ultimately achieving great success.