People who take coarse food and drink usually have morals as clean as ice and as pure as jade. Those, on the other hand, who set great store by fine garments and tasty fare tend to be servile flatterers and willing slaves.
A man’s aspirations can only shine forth from purity of heart and paucity of desires, whereas his moral integrity can be easily forfeited through indulging in creature comforts.
蔾口苋肠者，多冰清玉洁；衮衣玉食者，甘婢膝奴颜。
盖志以澹泊明，而节从肥甘丧也。
Notes
This passage from Cai Gen Tan (Tending the roots of wisdom) explores the relationship between human aspirations, moral integrity, and material conditions by contrasting two lifestyles.
The Virtue of Simple Living:
The text emphasizes that a simple and unadorned lifestyle nurtures noble character. It suggests that without excessive material temptations, one can more easily maintain inner purity and uprightness.
Material Abundance and Moral Risk:
Conversely, it warns of the negative impacts of overindulgence in material comforts. Excessive luxury may weaken resolve, lead to moral compromise, and erode ethical boundaries.
Indifference to Fame and Wealth:
The passage advocates an attitude of detachment toward reputation and material gain. True aspirations, it argues, should be rooted not in external vanity but in genuine self-worth and contribution to society.
Inner Cultivation over External Displays:
It further conveys that personal value should not be measured by wealth or status alone. Instead, inner character and self-cultivation hold greater significance.
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