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.
从善如登，从恶如崩
“从善如登，从恶如崩”，出自《国语》，大意为顺从良善如登山一样艰难，屈从邪恶如山崩一般迅速。从善之难，从恶之易，是古代先贤的劝世箴言，广为后世政治家所重视。要舍恶从善，一是内心要有强大的信念做“防护堤”，二是要有良师益友互为提点。立志须坚，交友须慎，对于青年群体来说尤为切要。
2013年5月，习近平在同各界优秀青年代表座谈时强调，青年人要牢记“从善如登，从恶如崩”的道理，始终保持积极的人生态度、良好的道德品质、健康的生活情趣。
