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.

窮則獨善其身，達則兼善天下

“窮則獨善其身，達則兼善天下”，出自《孟子》，意為不得志時就要潔身自好修養個人品德，得志時就要讓全天下人都能得到幫助和利益。

2014年3月，習近平在中法建交50周年紀念大會上的講話中指出，“窮則獨善其身，達則兼善天下”是中華民族始終崇尚的品德和胸懷，中國一心一意辦好自己的事情，既是對自己負責，也是為世界作貢獻。隨著自身不斷發展，中國已經并將繼續盡己所能，為世界和平與發展作出自己的貢獻。