This saying encourages people to endure hardship and work hard before allowing themselves to enjoy the rewards. It implies that discipline and delayed gratification lead to a better outcome.
Rooted in Confucian and socialist values, this phrase was popularized in Mao-era China as a motto for selfless dedication to the collective before personal enjoyment.
It reinforces a cultural preference for perseverance and sacrifice as moral virtues. By saying this, people signal that they value long-term success over short-term pleasure, and they encourage others to do the same.
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