What do the four gentlemen in the book mean?

Four gentlemen refer to four symbolic things in ancient China culture, including plum, orchid, bamboo and chrysanthemum. The four gentlemen are called "four symbols", also known as "flowers of the four gentlemen" and "plants of the four gentlemen", symbolizing the spiritual realm of noble morality, perseverance, lofty aspirations and self-discipline. The four gentlemen are endowed with beautiful cultural meanings such as childhood friends, quiet elegance, and timely assistance, and are an important part of the excellent culture of the Chinese nation.

The Four Gentlemen not only have profound cultural connotations, but also become common elements of China garden art because of their unique aesthetic value. The vigorous posture of plum blossoms before flowering, the carefree and fresh temperament of orchids, the lush growth of bamboo, and the firm character of blooming in chrysanthemum cream all bring people a healthy, beautiful and open-minded life feeling, which is a symbol of Chinese civilization and a spiritual treasure of the Chinese nation.

With the development of society and the change of culture, the symbolic meaning of the four gentlemen is constantly changing and expanding. Today, people no longer only regard the Four Gentlemen as the symbol of aesthetics and emotion, but more regard them as the cultural totem of China's aesthetics, and become the representative symbol of China's traditional culture in the world culture. In the new historical period, the four gentlemen also have new value and significance of the times. With the rapid development of China's economy and culture, the Four Gentlemen will also be more dazzling on the stage of world culture.