Virtue uplifts, while vice debases.
This is a quotation from Guo Yu (The Discourses of the States). It implies that following the good is as difficult as mountain climbing, while submitting to the evil happens as quickly as a landslide. This is an axiom authored by ancient sages and valued by statesmen of later ages.
To follow the good, one needs to have strong internal convictions as a moral core, and good external teachers and friends to remind one. It is very important for young people to have firm faith and be selective in making friends.
When speaking to outstanding young representatives from all walks of life in May 2013, Xi Jinping said: Young people should bear in mind that "Virtue uplifts, while vice debases" and always be optimistic, behave with integrity, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
從善如登，從惡如崩
“從善如登，從惡如崩”，出自《國語》，大意為順從良善如登山一樣艱難，屈從邪惡如山崩一般迅速。從善之難，從惡之易，是古代先賢的勸世箴言，廣為后世政治家所重視。要舍惡從善，一是內心要有強大的信念做“防護堤”，二是要有良師益友互為提點。立志須堅，交友須慎，對于青年群體來說尤為切要。
2013年5月，習近平在同各界優秀青年代表座談時強調，青年人要牢記“從善如登，從惡如崩”的道理，始終保持積極的人生態度、良好的道德品質、健康的生活情趣。
