Every ordinary individual bears a share of responsibility for important affairs or the common good of society.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Gu Yanwu ("顾炎武") developed a deep fondness for stories of loyal officials and righteous individuals from a young age.
He joined the Fushe society, which sought reform, and organized local commanders in Kunshan to resist the invading Qing forces.
After the city's fall, he strictly adhered to his stepmother Wang's admonition not to serve the Qing dynasty. He then disguised himself as a merchant, traveling throughout various regions to unite anti-Qing resistance fighters.
In his acclaimed work, "Rizhi Lu" (日知录, Records of Daily Learning), he penned the famous line: "For the preservation of the world, even the humblest common man has a share of responsibility."