People with No Covetous Desires Stand Upright.
People with no covetous desires stand upright and maintain integrity. Yu (欲) refers to all sorts of selfish and covetous desires. Gang (刚) means fairness, justice, integrity, and forcefulness. Wuyu (无欲) does not mean that people should not have any desires, but rather, people should not harbor any selfish or covetous desires. The term tells us a basic principle for people to follow in conducting themselves, and especially for officials in handling office affairs, that is, no temptations should ever sway anyone. One must always conduct oneself properly without seeking to gratify personal interests; one must always seek compliance without seeking fame or wealth; and one must never harbor any greed. This is the way for one to stand upright, firm, and fearless. Like towering cliffs, one may stand tall and indestructible.