expression
even a lowly person's will cannot be taken away; a person's convictions should be respected
Proverb emphasizing that every individual, no matter how humble, has an inviolable will. Often used to assert that one's determination cannot be overridden by others.
「匹夫も志を奪うべからず」という言葉があるように、誰にでも譲れない思いがある。
As the saying goes, 'Even a lowly person's will cannot be taken away,' everyone has thoughts they cannot compromise.
A classical Chinese-derived proverb (from the Analects of Confucius or similar texts), adopted into Japanese. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects a Confucian respect for individual will.