to make constant, unswerving efforts to improve oneself and remain determined

to unite or cooperate for the purpose of collective self-improvement and increasing mutual strength

to strive for self-improvement

Self-Strengthening Movement (period of reforms in China c. 1861-1894), also known as the Yangwu Movement ([[洋务运动|洋務運動|Yang2 wu4 Yun4 dong4]]).

to be self-reliant and strive for self-improvement