A person of great ability and potential, capable of bearing significant responsibilities; a pillar of society or a community.
小明从小就展现出非凡的才能，老师们都说他将来一定会成为社会的栋梁之材。
Xiao Ming demonstrated extraordinary talent from a young age, and his teachers all said he would certainly become a pillar of society in the future.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, young Confucius's parents both passed away, and he lived with his half-brother, Meng Pi.
Meng Pi encouraged him to learn how to drive chariots, but Confucius was determined to pursue academic studies.
He aspired to become a true gentleman and a pillar of society. He often said, "A gentleman concerns himself with the Way, not with mere sustenance."
Ironically, it was this very mindset that often led to his talents being unrecognized and his being ostracized wherever he went.
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