This saying teaches that being overly proud or self-satisfied leads to failure, while being humble and open to learning brings rewards. It's a warning against arrogance and an encouragement to stay grounded.
This is an ancient proverb from the Book of Documents (尚书), a Confucian classic. It reflects the deep cultural value placed on modesty as a survival strategy in a society that punishes hubris.
This saying functions as a social corrective, reminding people that arrogance invites resentment and mistakes. It signals that the community values those who remain teachable, and it protects the speaker from the dangers of overconfidence.
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