If an ordinary person secretly stores up virtue and does charitable deeds he is as influential as a duke or minister despite his lack of fame and position.
If a noble grandee does nothing but seek greater patronage, power and wealth, he is nothing more than a beggar with a titled rank.
平民肯种德施惠，便是无位的公相；士夫徒贪权市宠，竟成有爵的乞人。
Notes
True nobility lies not in social status but in moral character and benevolent action—an ordinary person’s goodness transcends class, achieving value equal or superior to the elite.
When status lacks ethical foundation, it becomes a veil for dependency and greed. The corruption of the privileged is more contemptible than the commoner’s simplicity.
Identity is a temporary label; virtue is an eternal medal.
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