This is from Book Seven (Shu Er) of *The Analects*: "The Master said: 'With coarse rice to eat, water to drink, and my bent arm as a pillow, joy can be found within. Wealth and status gained through unrighteous means are to me like floating clouds.'" The meaning is: wealth and official rank acquired by unrighteous means are like floating clouds in the sky to me. The same book states: "The Master said: 'If wealth can be pursued, even being a whip-holder (a lowly gatekeeper), I would do it. If it cannot be pursued, I will follow what I love.'" *The Analects*, Book Four (Li Ren): "The Master said: 'Wealth and status are what people desire. If they are not obtained through the proper Way (Dao), one should not dwell in them.'" Here, Confucius reiterates his specific principles for viewing and seeking wealth and status: they must accord with Yi (Righteousness) and the Way of Ren (Benevolence/Humaneness). Obtaining them in violation of this is regarded as insubstantial as fleeting clouds. At the same time, this also expresses his attitude of finding sweetness in a life of honest poverty and finding joy in the Way (Dao).