Accomplishments and hallowed writings perish with their creators. The spirit, however, is everlasting.
Official position, wealth and fame change with the passage of time, but moral integrity remains constant.
The virtuous man must on no account sacrifice his spirit in pursuit of accomplishments and literary fame, nor moral integrity for wealth and power.
事业文章随身消毁，而精神万古如新；功名富贵逐世转移，而气节千载一日：君子信不当以彼易此也。
Notes
This passage from Cai Gen Tan (Tending the roots of wisdom) illuminates the eternal value of spiritual integrity through the duality of tangible vs. intangible and fleeting vs. enduring:
- Achievements, accolades, wealth, and fame — all tangible pursuits — fade with time;
- Yet inner spirit and moral resolve transcend eras, growing more radiant across centuries.
Thus, the noble-minded never trade enduring principles for transient vanity.
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