In difficult times, one focuses on self-cultivation; after achieving success, one brings prosperity to all under heaven.

In difficult times, one focuses on self-cultivation; after achieving success, one brings prosperity to all under heaven.

This axiom comes from The Book of Mencius. It means that one should focus on self-cultivation and preserve one’s integrity in difficult times, and help others and bring prosperity to all under heaven after achieving success.

Speaking at the meeting commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Sino-French diplomatic relations, held in March 2014, Xi Jinping said: It has been the Chinese nation’s virtue and character to focus on self-cultivation in difficult times and bring prosperity to all after achieving success. China has always been committed to managing its own affairs well. This shows how it takes responsibility for itself and makes contribution to the rest of the world. China has done, and will continue to do its best to contribute to world peace and development.

穷则独善其身，达则兼善天下

“穷则独善其身，达则兼善天下”，出自《孟子》，意为不得志时就要洁身自好修养个人品德，得志时就要让全天下人都能得到帮助和利益。

2014年3月，习近平在中法建交50周年纪念大会上的讲话中指出，“穷则独善其身，达则兼善天下”是中华民族始终崇尚的品德和胸怀，中国一心一意办好自己的事情，既是对自己负责，也是为世界作贡献。随着自身不断发展，中国已经并将继续尽己所能，为世界和平与发展作出自己的贡献。