贫贱不能移
Pín jiàn bù néng yí
"Poverty and lowliness cannot make one waver"
Character Analysis
Poor/humble (贫贱) cannot (不能) move/change (移). The character 移 means to shift, move, or change—one's principles should not shift even in poverty.
Meaning & Significance
This proverb emphasizes that true integrity remains steadfast regardless of material circumstances. A person of character maintains their principles whether rich or poor, powerful or humble. It celebrates the strength of moral conviction over material conditions.
This proverb comes from the Mencius (孟子), one of the foundational texts of Confucian philosophy. It is part of a famous passage describing the “great man” (大丈夫).
The Complete Passage
Mencius writes:
富贵不能淫，贫贱不能移，威武不能屈，此之谓大丈夫。
“Wealth and honor cannot corrupt him; poverty and lowliness cannot make him waver; power and force cannot bend him. This is what is called a great man.”
Together, these three conditions describe someone whose character is unshakeable—neither corrupted by success, demoralized by failure, nor intimidated by threats.
Historical Context
Mencius lived during the Warring States period (4th century BCE), a time of political chaos and moral confusion. His teaching was a call for intellectuals and leaders to maintain their principles regardless of external circumstances.
Usage Examples
Describing integrity:
“他贫贱不能移，始终保持着原则。” “Poverty couldn’t change him—he always maintained his principles.”
Self-encouragement:
“贫贱不能移，我们要坚持到底。” “Poverty cannot make us waver—we will persist to the end.”
Modern Relevance
In today’s materialistic society, this proverb is often invoked to:
- Encourage ethical behavior in business
- Support those facing financial hardship
- Criticize those who compromise values for money
- Celebrate those who maintain principles despite temptation
Related Proverbs
人生无常
Rén shēng wú cháng
"Life is impermanent"
塞翁失马，焉知非福
Sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú
"When the old man from the frontier lost his horse, how could he know it was not a blessing?"
死有重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛
Sǐ yǒu zhòng yú Tài Shān, huò qīng yú hóng máo
"Death may be heavier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a goose feather"