This saying means that while external circumstances can change easily, a person's fundamental character is nearly impossible to alter. It implies that people's core traits, whether good or bad, remain constant.
This reflects a deterministic view of human nature common in Chinese philosophy, influenced by both Confucian and Daoist ideas. It is often used both as an excuse for flaws and as a warning to accept people as they are.
Chinese people use this to set realistic expectations in relationships and to avoid repeated disappointment. It signals a pragmatic acceptance of human limitations, and it can serve as a gentle warning to not waste energy trying to reform others.
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