Continuous Self-Improvement
This notion first appeared in The Book of Changes which stated, "Just as heaven keeps moving forward vigorously, a man of virtue should strive continuously to strengthen himself." The ancient Chinese believed that heavenly bodies moved in a vigorous and perpetually forward moving cycle. A man of virtue who follows the Law of Heaven should be fully motivated and work diligently to strengthen himself. This idea reflects the Chinese life philosophy advocating optimism, courage, and self-motivation.
The central traits of Chinese culture are a positive outlook on life and pursuit of self-fulfillment at present and in the real world. Individuals are encouraged to act on their own initiative and work diligently to overcome difficulties and achieve self-fulfillment. In contemporary China, the tradition of constantly seeking self-improvement still inspires and unites the Chinese people.
自強不息
自強不息出自《周易·乾卦·象傳》，原文是“天行健，君子以自強不息”。中國古人認為，天體的運行剛健有力、生生不息，君子為人處世也應效法天體，力求進步， 勤勉不懈，奮斗不止。這一理念反映了中國人積極向上、奮發有為的人生態度，展現了中華民族不畏艱險、樂觀奮進的處世精神。
與世界上各大文明系統相比，中華文明的一個顯著特點就是長久地保持樂觀、奮進的處世精神，主張在當下和現實世界之中尋找并實現生命的意義。因此，在面對艱難困苦時，個人應充分發揮自身的主體性、能動性，通過自身的不懈奮斗擺脫困境，從而實現自我價值。在當代中國，自強不息的優良傳統正是激勵著中國人民自力更生、團結奮斗的精神力量。
