被褐怀玉
Pì hè huái yù
Clad in Coarse Cloth, Jade in Heart
原文Original Text
「知我者希,则我者贵。是以圣人被褐而怀玉。」
——《道德经》第70章 — Daodejing, Chapter 70

释义Annotation

「被褐怀玉」出自《道德经》第七十章。圣人身穿粗布衣裳,却怀揣美玉。真正有德行和智慧的人往往外表朴素、不事张扬,内在却蕴含宝贵的品质。此成语表达了道家不以外表论人的价值观——真正的珍贵在内心,不在衣饰。

"Pi he huai yu" originates from Chapter 70 of the Daodejing. The sage wears coarse cloth yet carries jade within. One who truly possesses virtue and wisdom often appears plain and unassuming on the outside, while harboring precious qualities within. This idiom expresses the Taoist value of judging not by appearance — true treasure lies in the heart, not in garments.

核心概念Core Concepts

此成语蕴含道家「守柔」「知足」「抱朴」等核心理念。老子通过这一比喻,阐述了顺应自然、不争不抢、返璞归真的处世智慧。在纷繁复杂的现代社会中,这些古老的智慧依然闪耀着指引的光芒。

This idiom embodies core Taoist concepts of "keeping to softness," "knowing contentment," and "embracing simplicity." Through this metaphor, Laozi expounds the wisdom of following nature, not competing, and returning to authenticity. In our complex modern world, these ancient insights continue to illuminate the path forward.