"Ren Zhong Dao Yuan" (The burden is heavy and the road is long) comes from The Analects of Confucius, Book of Tai Bo. It was originally spoken by Zengzi: "A scholar must be broad-minded and resolute, for his burden is heavy and his road is long." It means that a scholar must have lofty aspirations and a strong will, because the responsibility is great and the journey is long. Here, "ren" refers to a burden or responsibility, and "dao" refers to a road or course. The deeper meaning of this idiom is: to shoulder a major mission or task that requires long-term struggle to complete, emphasizing the dual pressure of responsibility and endurance. It is often used to describe individuals or groups who bear important duties and face long-term challenges, such as national development, academic research, and entrepreneurship. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the Confucian spirit of active engagement in the world and the courage to take on responsibility, encouraging people to face the long journey with unyielding perseverance. In emotional tone, it carries both a solemn and serious sense of mission and a note of encouragement and expectation. It is often used to encourage others or oneself, expressing the determination to fear no hardship and persevere to the end.
📝 Example
1. To achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, our generation has a long and arduous journey ahead, and we must stay grounded and work tirelessly.
2. As a rural teacher, he knows well that he has a long and arduous mission ahead, not only to impart knowledge but also to change the children's destinies.