yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng 言有物,行有恒
Talk Substance; Act with Perseverance
说话要言之有物,做事要持之以恒。“言有物”即说话或写文章要有实际根据和内容,语言、文字要与实际情况相符,不能想当然,不能假大空;“行有恒”即做任何事情都应该有恒心、有原则,说到做到,专心一意,坚持到底,不朝三暮四或半途而废。此术语实际所包含的是一种务真求实的科学态度和专一持守的诚信精神。
What one talks or writes about should have a sound basis and substance; the language and words he uses should fit the actual context. Hyperbole, exaggeration or falsehood should be opposed. In doing anything, one must have perseverance and focus, stick to principle and honor his words. One should preserve until the goal is met and must never give up halfway. This term also means that one should take a realist approach, seek truth and act in good faith.
引例 Citation:
◎君子以言有物而行有恒。(《周易·象下》)
(君子说话要言之有物,做事要持之以恒。)
A man of virtue should talk substance and act with perseverance. (The Book of Changes)