Gǔrén shuō, qióng zé dúshàn-qíshēn, dá zé jiānjì tiānxià.
The ancients said: when impoverished, cultivate yourself alone; when successful, benefit the whole world.
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From 《孟子·尽心上》: 穷则独善其身，达则兼善天下 - 'when out of power, cultivate your own virtue; when in power, benefit the world.' Originally positive (a sage keeping his integrity in bad times). In modern usage, it has shifted to a mildly negative sense: minding your own business when you could help others.
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Watch the shift: classical = virtuous self-cultivation; modern = selfish detachment. When quoting Mencius or in scholarly contexts, the original positive reading applies. In everyday criticism (领导独善其身), it is a reproach.
