To act proudly and maintain one's dignity despite being poor and of humble status, often implying a disdain or refusal to humble oneself before the rich and powerful.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Marquis Wen of Wei conquered the state of Zhongshan and dispatched his son, Prince Ji, to govern it.
On his journey, Prince Ji met Tian Zifang, who was a respected teacher of Marquis Wen. Prince Ji approached to greet him, but Tian Zifang paid him no attention.
Prince Ji then asked whether it was nobility and wealth or poverty and humility that truly deserved pride.
Tian Zifang asserted that one should be proud of being poor. He elaborated that if a feudal lord became arrogant, they risked losing their state, whereas if a humble scholar's counsel was not heeded, they could simply seek opportunity in another state.