独善其身 cultivate oneself
Explanation
独善其身，意思是独自做好自己的事，修养好自己，不求功名利禄。现在也常用来指只顾自己，不管他人。
Du shan qi shen means to cultivate oneself and improve one's moral character independently. Now, it's often used to refer to only caring about oneself and ignoring others.
Origin Story
战国时期，孟子周游列国，宣扬他的仁政思想。一天，他来到一个偏僻的小村庄，看到一位老农独自耕田，生活虽然清贫，但却怡然自得。孟子好奇地问老农：“您一个人生活在这偏远的地方，不感到孤单吗？”老农笑着回答：“我修身养性，独善其身，不求名利，不慕虚荣，内心平静快乐，何来孤单之感？”孟子听后深受启发，更加坚定了传播仁政思想的信念，同时也认识到独善其身的重要性，它并非完全的与世隔绝，而是指在保持自身道德修养的同时，更好地为社会作出贡献。
During the Warring States period, Mencius traveled to different states, spreading his ideas of benevolent governance. One day, he came to a remote village and saw an old farmer working alone in his field. Though his life was poor, he seemed content. Curious, Mencius asked the old farmer, "Living alone in this remote place, aren't you lonely?" The old farmer smiled and answered, "I cultivate myself and live my own life. I don't seek fame and fortune, and I'm not vain. I am peaceful and happy at heart, so I don't feel lonely." Mencius was deeply inspired and further strengthened his belief in spreading his ideas. He also understood the importance of 'Du Shan Qi Shen', which doesn't mean complete isolation from the world, but to cultivate oneself morally to better contribute to society.
Usage
该成语常用于形容一个人在困境中依然保持自身操守，或只顾及自身利益而不关心他人。
This idiom is often used to describe a person who maintains their own moral principles even in difficult situations, or who only cares about their own interests and doesn't care about others.
Examples
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他为人处世，一向独善其身，不问世事。
ta weiren chushi,yixiang du shan qi shen,bu wen shishi.suiran shen chu luanshi,tayiran nenggou du shan qi shen,baochi neixin de pingjing
He has always kept to himself and stayed out of worldly affairs.
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虽然身处乱世，他依然能够独善其身，保持内心的平静。
Even in times of chaos, he is able to maintain inner peace and remain true to himself.