Noble spirit

The "noble spirit," discussed in The Book of Mencius, refers to the mighty moral force that permeates the human body and enables one to be just and upright.

Such a spirit originates only inside the body and is not given by any external strength. If one can ensure good conduct, engage in self-reflection and have a clear conscience, a noble spirit will nurture and grow inside and make one courageous, strong and fearless. Anyone endowed with this noble spirit will be unhesitant, resolute and brave.

During an exclusive interview with Russia Television in February 2014, Xi Jinping said, "Reading is central to my life." He added, "Reading invigorates people's mind, gives them inspiration, and cultivates their noble spirit."

浩然之氣

“浩然之氣”出自《孟子》，意為盛大而充盈于生命之中的正直之氣，是一種宏大、剛強之氣，是與道義相匹配的，由內而外，非得自于外。個人能夠堅守善道，反省自身行事而無愧于心，“浩然之氣”就會自然發生并逐漸充盈，使人勇往直前、剛強正直、無所畏懼。一旦形成“浩然之氣”，就能摒除疑慮、果決勇敢。

2014年2月，習近平在俄羅斯索契接受俄羅斯電視臺專訪時表示，“讀書已成了我的一種生活方式”，并列舉出多項讀書的好處，“讀書可以讓人保持思想活力，讓人得到智慧啟發，讓人滋養浩然之氣”。