To live a very simple and frugal life, often referring to a scholar or person of integrity who is content with poverty and focuses on higher pursuits rather than material comforts.
他虽然过着一箪一瓢的清贫生活，却依然乐在其中，专注于学问。
Although he lived a life of simple fare, a basket of food and a ladle of drink, he still found joy in it and dedicated himself to his studies.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
This idiom originates from The Analects of Confucius (论语·雍也). Confucius once praised his favorite disciple, Yan Hui, saying, "He has a basket of food and a ladle of drink, living in a humble lane. Others would find such a life unbearable, but Yan Hui does not let it diminish his joy."
This passage highlights Yan Hui's exceptional virtue of finding contentment and joy in a life of extreme simplicity and poverty, focusing on learning and moral cultivation rather than material possessions.
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