This sentence is used to warn the world that we should be strict with ourselves, always consciously control our desires and not rely on the supervision of others.
Original: The Book of Rites The Doctrine of the Mean
A gentleman is cautious and independent, does not deceive the darkroom, and is modest and self-grazing, including Zhang Kejian. A gentleman stands between heaven and earth. He wants to raise heaven and earth to be upright, do things aboveboard, self-denial, be cautious and independent, keep his heart open-minded, treat others with self-denial and tolerance.
When a gentleman is alone, even if others can't see or hear, he should be careful and meticulous, not do anything that violates moral laws, live up to his conscience, not deceive his heart, be tolerant of all rivers and be strict with himself.
Self-denial: the so-called restraint of selfish desires, strict self-discipline
In a private ownership society, it is normal for everyone to have personal words, such as fame, profit, status and various material and spiritual requirements. But when you get these benefits, you must first check whether it is a "gift". Should I get it? This requires a moral concept to restrain yourself. He who can restrain his desires and meet the standard of courtesy is a benevolent person.
Prudence and independence: When living alone without supervision, we must be cautious and consciously abide by various moral standards.
Caution and independence indicate an attitude towards life, which is consistent in appearance; It shows a realm of life, honesty. In the history of our country, there are many gentlemen who uphold this kind of ethics: for example, Yang Zhen in the Eastern Han Dynasty "knows heaven and earth, knows you and me" and refuses to be polite; During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei "did not do it because of small evils and did not do it because of small goodness". These are the embodiment of self-discipline and the pursuit of moral perfection.
Life is very long, and we have only walked through a small corner of the long road of life. In the journey of more than 80 years, we should learn to be strict with ourselves, make fewer mistakes, consciously abide by our moral bottom line, understand our life goals, and let our life go on with meaning and faith! The road ahead is difficult and dangerous, self-restraint and caution; Ride the wind and waves and finally reach the other side.