Those who preserve their moral integrity suffer only fleeting loneliness. But eternal wretchedness awaits those who toady to the powerful.
Wise men fix their gaze on spiritual cultivation, which transcends material things. They wish to leave a good name after them, and choose fleeting loneliness over eternal wretchedness.
栖守道德者，寂寞一时；依阿权势者，凄凉万古。
达人观物外之物，思身后之身，守受一时之寂寞，毋取万古之凄凉。
Notes
Those who adhere to moral principles may endure periods of solitude, as they might be misunderstood by those chasing power and profit around them, or even face exclusion for refusing to drift with the tide. Conversely, those who curry favor with the powerful and cling to influence may bask in fleeting glory, but they will ultimately be judged by history and their own conscience, left with endless desolation.
Wise souls see beyond the material world, considering their legacy after death. They willingly embrace temporary isolation to preserve their integrity and virtue, rather than trade moral compromise for transient success or approval. Thus, they avoid the profound, lingering desolation of the soul.
True steadfastness often requires resisting worldly restlessness. This “solitude” is necessary not only for honing one’s skills but also for refining the inner self. Only by enduring steadfastness amid ordinariness can one create value that stands the test of time.
In essence, this passage underscores the importance of holding fast to moral principles. It encourages people not to betray their conscience for immediate convenience or gain, but to focus on the long term and pursue a life of genuine meaning.
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