This saying advises frugality and saving, especially on small indulgences like tobacco and alcohol. By building a small reserve, you can handle emergencies independently without having to ask others for help, which preserves your dignity.
In Chinese culture, asking for help is often seen as a loss of face, so self-reliance is highly valued. Saving money, even in small amounts, is a traditional virtue tied to prudence and foresight.
This saying reinforces the cultural ideal of self-sufficiency and the importance of planning ahead. It signals that financial independence is a form of personal honor, and that small sacrifices now prevent larger humiliations later.
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