淡泊明志 Live a simple life, keep clear mind
Explanation
淡泊明志是指不追求名利，才能使自己的志向高洁，心境宁静。
Dàn bó míng zhì means that only by not pursuing fame and wealth can one's aspirations be noble and one's mind be peaceful.
Origin Story
话说东汉时期，有个名叫崔琰的清官，他为人正直，淡泊名利，一心为民。虽然官居高位，但他生活俭朴，从不贪图享乐。一次，他出巡，看到百姓生活困苦，便立即命令官员们想办法改善民生，自己也带头捐款。他还常常教导官员们要以民为本，清正廉洁。他淡泊名利，不慕权势，始终保持着高洁的品格，成为后世官员的楷模。在诸葛亮的《诫子书》中，也有着“非淡泊无以明志，非宁静无以致远”的教诲，阐述了淡泊名利才能明志的重要性。
During the Han Dynasty, there was a righteous official named Cui Yan. He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to the people. Despite his high position, he lived a simple life without indulging in luxury. On one of his tours, he witnessed the suffering of the common people and immediately ordered his officials to find ways to improve their lives. He himself led the way by donating generously. He often taught the officials that their priority should be the wellbeing of the people and the importance of uprightness and integrity. He remained modest and did not seek power, always maintaining his noble character, setting an example for later generations of officials. Zhuge Liang's "诫子书" (Instructions to My Son) includes the words, "非淡泊无以明志，非宁静无以致远", emphasizing the importance of modesty for clear ambitions.
Usage
常用来形容一个人不追求名利，志向高远，生活简朴。
Often used to describe someone who does not pursue fame and wealth, but has lofty aspirations and lives simply.
Examples
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他淡泊明志，不慕名利。
tā dàn bó míng zhì, bù mù míng lì
He cultivated a quiet life and clear mind, unattached to fame and wealth.
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与其追求功名利禄，不如淡泊明志，潜心修炼。
yǔ qí zhuī qiú gōng míng lì lù, bù rú dàn bó míng zhì, qián xīn xiū liàn
Rather than seeking fame and fortune, he focused on inner peace and spiritual practice to achieve self-cultivation.