Engaging in practical labor encourages careful thought, leading to frugality and an appreciation for resources; conversely, indulging in idleness often leads to extravagance and moral degradation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Gongfu Wenbo, a young nobleman from the State of Lu, inherited the title of Grand Master from his ancestors.
One day, returning home from court, he saw his mother, Jing Jiang, soaking hemp. Seeing her arduous work, he urged her not to engage in such menial labor.
His mother, however, admonished him, saying that one must frequently participate in labor to think diligently, treat others kindly, and appreciate resources. She warned him that those who excessively seek comfort and idleness would only become extravagant and morally dissolute.