Running Water Never Turns Foul; Moving Hinges Attract No Worms

流动的水不会腐恶发臭，转动的门轴不会生虫朽烂。比喻经常运动的东西不易受到外物的侵蚀，可以长久不坏；也比喻经常运动，生命力才能持久，才有旺盛的活力。现在多指对现有的思想不断地进行批判和反思，不断坚持批评和自我批评，才能使思想不僵化不保守，不断更新进步。其中隐含的基本哲理是：运动是世界存在的本质；万事万物在运动中保持生机，焕发活力。

This concept describes that objects frequently in motion are not affected by external factors, and can last a long time. It also means that movement sustains life and vigor. In modern days, it means that existing thought and ideas must be continuously reviewed and critiqued, and that there must be criticism and selfexamination to avoid becoming conservative and inflexible. This is the way to ensure continuing change and progress. The philosophical implication is that motion is the foundation of the world and the source of vitality of all things.

引例 Citation：

◎流水不腐，户枢不蠹，动也。形气亦然。（《吕氏春秋·尽数》）

流动的水不会腐恶发臭，转动的门轴不会生虫朽烂，这是由于不断运动的缘故。人的身体和精神也是这样。

Running water never turns foul, and moving hinges attract no worms, all thanks to continuous motion. This also applies to the human mind and body. (Master Lü's Spring and Autumn Annals)