"Poverty and obscurity cannot shake one's resolve" comes from Mencius, "Teng Wen Gong II," where the original text reads: "Wealth and honor cannot corrupt him, poverty and obscurity cannot shake him, power and force cannot bend him—this is what is called a great man." It means that in a state of poverty and lowliness, one must not change one's aspirations and moral conduct. It emphasizes that even when a person is in hardship and of low status, he should still uphold moral principles and ideals and beliefs, and not waver because of material scarcity or social pressure. The deeper meaning lies in the fact that true character does not depend on external circumstances, but on inner firmness and independence. It is mostly used to praise those who, amid adversity, still maintain integrity and do not curry favor with the powerful. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the Confucian pursuit of the ideal personality and is connected with spirits such as "being content with poverty and delighting in the Way" and "being all the more resolute in poverty." Its emotional coloring is commendatory, carrying a sense of solemnity and admiration, and it is often used in formal or literary expression.
📝 Example
1. Although he came from a humble family, he refused to let poverty and low status change his resolve, always staying true to his academic ideals and ultimately achieving outstanding success. (Meaning: to remain true to one's aspirations even in poverty and low status.)
2. Faced with the temptation of a high salary, this veteran scientist refused to let poverty and low status change his resolve, remaining in the harsh laboratory conditions to tackle key problems. (Meaning: not to be swayed by material gain, but to stay true to one's original intention.)