To make friends with others, you need a strong sense of justice and a readiness to help. To be a true man, you should preserve a pure heart.
交友须带三分侠气，作人要存一点素心。
Notes
On Friendship
This passage from Cai Gen Tan (Roots of Wisdom) articulates friendship is built on mutual trust and support. Possessing “three parts of chivalrous spirit” means demonstrating sincere commitment and courage in friendship—standing by friends in critical moments and facing difficulties together.
On Conduct
It encourages shedding hypocrisy and utilitarianism, embracing life with pure authenticity to pursue inner peace and fulfillment.
Regardless of changing external circumstances, one must uphold inner goodness and authenticity. Maintaining such integrity is especially vital in complex social environments.
This way of living not only brings personal ease but also earns others’ respect and trust.
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