Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use; gold scattered will return again.

天生我材必有用,千金散尽还复来。

Background

This famous quote comes from Li Bai's poem "Invitation to Wine" (将进酒), written in 752 CE during the 11th year of the Tianbao era. At that time, Li Bai had suffered political setbacks and was excluded from the imperial court in Chang'an, filling his heart with resentment and injustice. However, rather than becoming despondent, the poet expressed his unwavering belief in his own worth with an even more bold and unrestrained attitude. "Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use" reflects Li Bai's absolute confidence in his personal abilities, a confidence rooted in his profound literary accomplishments and deep understanding of Tang dynasty culture. "When gold is spent, it will come again" demonstrates the poet's transcendent view of money and optimistic attitude toward life. These two lines are not only a true reflection of Li Bai's personal emotions but also a typical embodiment of the spiritual demeanor of Tang dynasty intellectuals, reflecting the confidence, boldness, and progressive spirit of that era's scholars.

Interpretation

This famous quote contains profound life philosophy and values. "Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use" embodies an absolute affirmation of personal worth, believing that everyone has unique talents and meaning of existence. This concept transcends the social hierarchy of that time and carries strong humanistic characteristics. It tells us that regardless of our circumstances, we should maintain confidence in our own value and believe that our talents will eventually find opportunities for expression. "When gold is spent, it will come again" reflects a transcendent view of wealth and an optimistic attitude toward life, considering money merely as an external tool while true wealth lies in personal talent and character. This concept still holds important guiding significance in modern society, encouraging people not to be defeated by temporary difficulties and setbacks, to maintain a positive mindset, and to believe that through their own efforts and talents, they can create a bright future. This quote embodies the spiritual tradition of "self-improvement" in Chinese culture and represents a profound reflection on the value and meaning of life.

Historical & Cultural Background

Historical Context

This verse comes from Li Bai's masterpiece "Invitation to Wine," written during the Tianbao era. Although Li Bai was exceptionally talented, he faced repeated setbacks in politics and his official career was unsuccessful. This poem expresses the poet's absolute confidence in his abilities and his open-minded attitude toward life's ups and downs, embodying Li Bai's unique romantic spirit and positive outlook on life.

Cultural Significance

This verse embodies the confident spirit and values of ancient Chinese literati. "Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use" emphasizes that everyone has unique value and mission, echoing the traditional Chinese concept of "unity between heaven and humanity." "Gold scattered will return again" reflects a transcendent attitude toward material wealth, believing that true value lies in talent and character rather than money. This philosophy has profoundly influenced later generations of scholars.

Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Philosophical Analysis

From a philosophical perspective, this famous quote embodies multiple profound ideological connotations. First, it reflects the philosophical concept of "unity of heaven and humanity," believing that individual talents are heaven-endowed and align with the fundamental laws of the universe, reflecting the ancient Chinese philosophical thought of harmonious unity between humans and nature. Second, it embodies the dialectical unity of "determinism" and "free will," acknowledging both the objective existence of innate talents (determinism) and emphasizing the subjective initiative of personal effort (free will). Third, from the perspective of value philosophy, it establishes a value judgment standard centered on talent, transcending traditional value systems based on birth and wealth. Finally, from an existentialist perspective, it reflects deep contemplation on the meaning of individual existence, believing that everyone has their unique existential value and mission. This philosophical thought has had a profound impact on later generations, becoming an important theoretical foundation for the spirit of "self-improvement" in Chinese culture.

Modern Application

In modern society, this verse is often used to encourage people to maintain confidence and believe in their own value and potential. When facing setbacks and difficulties, it reminds us to maintain a positive attitude and believe that "gold will always shine." In career development, entrepreneurship, education, and motivation, this quote has important guiding significance, inspiring people to bravely pursue their dreams and not be defeated by temporary failures.

Origin Story

According to historical records, Li Bai composed "Invitation to Wine" during a low point in his life. In 752 CE, Li Bai was forced to leave Chang'an after offending powerful nobles, his political ideals shattered and his heart filled with resentment. While gathering and drinking with friends Cen Fuzi and Dan Qiusheng, facing the magnificent sight of the Yellow River flowing endlessly, Li Bai was deeply moved and spontaneously created this eternal masterpiece. "Heaven has endowed me with talents for eventual use, when gold is spent, it will come again" was born under these circumstances, reflecting the poet's strong will and optimistic spirit in adversity. Legend has it that when Li Bai recited these two lines, his voice was resonant and his expression passionate, moving all the friends present. This quote has since become a classic saying that inspires countless generations, embodying the indomitable spiritual character of the Chinese nation.

Historical Impact

This famous quote has had a profound impact on Chinese literary and intellectual history. Since the Tang dynasty, it has been widely recited and has become a spiritual pillar inspiring people to persist in their ideals during difficult times. Song dynasty literati such as Su Shi and Xin Qiji quoted or adapted this phrase to express their life attitudes. During the Ming and Qing periods, this quote became classic material for imperial examinations and literary creation. In modern times, this famous saying has transcended literary boundaries to become an important cultural symbol inspiring national spirit. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, many patriotic volunteers used it for self-encouragement, persisting in resistance to the end. Since the reform and opening-up, this quote has been endowed with new contemporary meaning, becoming a motto encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of personal value realization. It has not only influenced Chinese values but has also spread worldwide through cultural exchange, becoming an important vehicle for showcasing the spiritual core of Chinese culture.

Practical Guidance

In practical life, this famous quote provides valuable life guidance. First, we should have confidence and self-awareness, believing in our own value and abilities, not doubting our worth due to temporary setbacks. Everyone has their own mission and role; the key is to find the position and development direction that suits us. Second, we should have a correct view of wealth and consumption, not being overly attached to monetary gains and losses, but focusing on the accumulation of spiritual wealth and abilities. When investing and consuming, we should have a long-term perspective, spending money on things that can improve ourselves, help others, or create value. Finally, we should maintain an optimistic attitude and resilient will, not giving up easily when facing difficulties and setbacks, believing that "when the mountains and rivers seem to block the way, there will be a village amid the willows and flowers." Adversity is often the prelude to opportunity. This positive life attitude can help us find opportunities in adversity and create the extraordinary from the ordinary.

Quote Information

Author

Li Bai

Source

Invitation to Wine

Date Added

8/28/2025

About the Author

Li Bai

Tang Dynasty

Li Bai (701-762) was a Chinese poet acclaimed from his own day to the present as a genius and a romantic figure who took traditional poetic forms to new heights. He is regarded as one of the greatest poets in Chinese literature.

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桃花潭水深千尺,不及汪伦送我情。

Li Bai

Source: To Wang Lun

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