说苑/君子雖窮，不處亡國之勢；雖貧，不受亂君之祿。

君子雖窮，不處亡國之勢；雖貧，不受亂君之祿。

Eric Henry

A man of quality, even when hard-pressed, does not take part in processes that lead a state to destruction. Though poor, he does not accept stipends from degenerate rulers.

尊乎亂世，同乎暴君，君子之恥也。

Eric Henry

To hold high position in chaotic times and identify himself with corrupt rulers—of this a man of quality is ashamed.

眾人以毀形為恥，君子以毀義為辱。

Eric Henry

People in general are ashamed when their features are deformed; a man of quality is ashamed when his devotion to what is right is deformed.

眾人重利，廉士重名。

Eric Henry

People in general prize profit; an honest officer prizes a good name.

Eric Henry

An Enlightened Ruler’s Treatment of Subordinates