This concept is tantamount to saying that everyone is equal before morality and righteousness. The term fufan (负贩) refers to a small trader who carries a toting pole to do business, and generally refers to people at the bottom of society. Whether a person commands respect or not should not be based on status, but on intrinsic character, i.e., morality and righteousness. Those whose words and deeds are moral and righteous command respect. Otherwise, they do not. This concept vividly demonstrates the spirit of the Chinese people who advocate morality and righteousness.

There is no one under heaven who is born with honor. Therefore, one commands respect so long as he leads a moral and righteous life, even if he is a humble peddler. (Du You: An Encyclopedic History of Institutions)