The term originally meant that in exercising governance, a ruler should act with benevolence and righteousness and not be tempted to seek immediate gains. Later, it came to mean the need to follow the righteous way, namely, sound principles or approaches, instead of seeking immediate gains. Such gains are not only petty and transitory in nature and unsustainable, but may also cause irreversible adverse consequences. Those who aim high should therefore focus on the big picture and long-term overall interests. They should always follow the righteous way and never allow themselves to be distracted by petty gains. The underlying message of this term is that no great accomplishment can be made quickly and easily and the righteous way must be followed.

One should know that the righteous way of exercising governance does not produce immediate results, just as good calligraphy cannot be learned without years of practice. Xiang Mu: Right Ways for Learning Calligraphy

One should not be tempted to seek quick and easy gains in either study or other pursuits. If one seeks quick gains, he will be short-sighted and cannot see beyond horizon… Sages are never distracted by immediate gains. That is why they can pursue the ultimate goal ceaselessly and with conviction. Huang Zongxi: Commentaries on Writings of Famous Scholars of the Ming Dynasty