It is a popular thought that the idea of “in obscurity , scholars would maintain their own integrity; in times of success, they would make perfect the whole empire” is the essence of Chinese culture. It is the combination of both Confucianism and Taoism. Undoubtedly, it is the personal pursuit and embodiment of self-cultivation to make perfect the whole empire and to maintain one's own integrity.
思想史上流行的观点认为.“达则兼济天下穷则独善其身”是作为中国文化精髓的“儒道互补”的体现。这句话前半句表达了儒家的理想主义和入世精神，而后半句显示出道家的豁达态度与出世境界。无疑，“济天下”的理想抱负与“善其身”的个人修养都是非常值得追求的。
