The concept of poverty and prosperity refers to two different situations individuals may experience in life. It encompasses various aspects of one’s life, including material wealth, social status, and reputation. Generally, people aspire to achieve prosperity and avoid being in a state of poverty. At the same time, people also place great value on whether individuals can show resilience and adhere to moral principles when facing adversity.

In ancient times, when people achieved their goals, they shared their benefits with the general populace; when they failed to achieve their goals, they cultivated their own virtues and presented their kindness to the world. When impoverished, they cultivated personal moral excellence, and when prosperous, they pursued the well-being of the world. (Mencius)

In people’s lives, being impoverished or prosperous is influenced by the circumstances of the times, but their moral character remains consistent. (Poverty and Prosperity Are Influenced by the Times, written on the bamboo slips unearthed from a tomb of the State of Chu at Guodian Village, Hubei Province)