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.
As the saying goes, 'Even a lowly person's will cannot be taken away,' everyone has thoughts they cannot compromise.
From the Analects saying 三軍可奪帥也、匹夫不可奪志也: an army may lose its commander, but even an ordinary person cannot be deprived of their resolve.