Noble spirit
The "noble spirit," discussed in The Book of Mencius, refers to the mighty moral force that permeates the human body and enables one to be just and upright.
Such a spirit originates only inside the body and is not given by any external strength. If one can ensure good conduct, engage in self-reflection and have a clear conscience, a noble spirit will nurture and grow inside and make one courageous, strong and fearless. Anyone endowed with this noble spirit will be unhesitant, resolute and brave.
During an exclusive interview with Russia Television in February 2014, Xi Jinping said, "Reading is central to my life." He added, "Reading invigorates people's mind, gives them inspiration, and cultivates their noble spirit."
浩然之气
“浩然之气”出自《孟子》，意为盛大而充盈于生命之中的正直之气，是一种宏大、刚强之气，是与道义相匹配的，由内而外，非得自于外。个人能够坚守善道，反省自身行事而无愧于心，“浩然之气”就会自然发生并逐渐充盈，使人勇往直前、刚强正直、无所畏惧。一旦形成“浩然之气”，就能摒除疑虑、果决勇敢。
2014年2月，习近平在俄罗斯索契接受俄罗斯电视台专访时表示，“读书已成了我的一种生活方式”，并列举出多项读书的好处，“读书可以让人保持思想活力，让人得到智慧启发，让人滋养浩然之气”。