One's appearance reflects one's inner self

Don't just look at the low mountains or the shallow waters. See if there are immortals in the mountains and dragons in the water.

Although the house I live in is simple and crude, it doesn't affect my noble character.

There are also the beautiful scenes of green moss climbing the steps and green grass seeping into the curtains, as well as erudite guests.

You can do whatever you like to your heart's content in such a humble abode. Compared with bustling and lively places,

There are no noisy sounds to disturb your ears. Compared with the grand and imposing government offices, there are no complex and arduous tasks to wear out your body and mind.

My understanding of the inscription on a Humble Abode is that one should not let the views and evaluations of the mundane world lead one's values and cognition astray.

One should look inward to discover the more essential and beautiful things, do what one likes, and make friends that one considers good.

In conclusion, you should be yourself, not the person others see you as.

The environment is not important; what matters is the heart that perceives it. The heart and eyes determine the eyes. With which eyes one views the world and what kind of world one perceives?

That is, "One's appearance reflects one's inner self."

What is humble is not the house itself, but the empty heart of the house viewer.