English intent · Chinese classic
These matches come from a curated corpus of real Chinese poetry and philosophy. The source line is fixed; the English wording is provided to make its meaning accessible.
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One survives and grows through hardship, and perishes in ease.
Plain meaningDifficulty can strengthen you; complacency can weaken you.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
In old age one should grow still stronger—how could a white-haired heart be changed? In hardship one should grow still firmer and never let high aspiration fall.
Plain meaningNeither age nor hardship should make you abandon a worthy ambition.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
I raise my head and gaze at the bright moon; I lower it and think of home.
Plain meaningMoonlight makes me miss my home.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
How sorrowful for my parents, who bore and raised me through such toil.
Plain meaningI remember how much my parents endured to raise me.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Looking back at the bleak place I came through, I return: there is neither storm nor clear sky.
Plain meaningAfter weathering the storm, I no longer let hardship or ease define me.
The poem begins during a rainstorm, but the ending turns weather into a metaphor for changing circumstances.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
Review what is old and understand what is new; then one can serve as a teacher.
Plain meaningReturn to what you know until it yields a new understanding.
English wording on Gu Ren Said is an original reading aid, not a claim that there is only one valid literary translation.
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