- 淡泊明志 dànbómíngzhì to live a simple life with high idealsto live a simple, frugal life to show one's high aspirations and clear will; living a simple life as one's ideal
- 澹泊明志 dànbómíngzhì to show high ideals by frugal livingTo live a simple life without seeking fame or fortune in order to clarify and show one's high aspirations; often paired with [[宁静致远|寧靜致遠|ning2 jing4 zhi4 yuan3]].
- 以死明志 yǐsǐmíngzhì to demonstrate one's sincerity by dyingTo prove one's integrity, loyalty, or high ideals through death
- 蓄须明志 xùxūmíngzhì to grow a beard to show one's resolveTo grow a beard as a symbol of one's determination or as a vow to not shave until a specific goal has been accomplished.