A person of true moral character remains upright and humble even when they become rich and powerful. External circumstances should not change one's principles.
This is from Mencius, a Confucian classic, and is part of a larger quote about the 'great man' who cannot be corrupted by wealth, poverty, or force.
It upholds the ideal of moral integrity over material gain, a core Confucian value. It signals that true character is tested by prosperity, not just adversity.
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