
This well-known Chinese proverb vividly illustrates the Chinese philosophy of hospitality and conduct. When friends visit, we unfailingly bring out the finest wine, greeting them with the utmost sincerity. This stems from our deep-seated cherishing of friendship, a love for the Confucian ideal of “delight in welcoming friends from afar,” and the traditional virtue of treating others with honesty and courtesy.

However, if wolves with ill intent barge in uninvited, attempting to trample our homes and disrupt this peace, they will be met with the shotguns of defense, guarding our dignity and peace. This is not about glorifying violence, but rather arises from a simple and firm belief: we love peace, but we never fear any aggression. It represents a clear-cut attitude towards life and a bottom-line mentality of “we will not attack unless we are attacked.”
This saying demonstrates the uncompromising principles and strength that exist between Chinese hospitality and dignity. It highlights the combination of sincerity towards friends and fearlessness towards threats, together forming the unique character of the Chinese spirit—one that is both gentle and unyielding, with a clear distinction between kindness and enmity.

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