People will go to extreme lengths—even risking their lives—for money or material gain, just as birds will risk danger for food. It highlights the destructive power of greed.
This is a cynical observation about human nature, often used in contexts of moral warning. It reflects a traditional Chinese skepticism about unchecked avarice, even while acknowledging its prevalence.
The saying serves as a cautionary tale. By using the parallel with birds, it makes the point vivid and memorable, warning that the pursuit of wealth without limits leads to self-destruction.
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