What does 虚怀若谷 mean?
虚 = empty

怀 = chest (metaphorically represents the storage place for beliefs and ideas in a man )

若 = like

谷 = valley ( a valley is vast and empty-- metaphor for one's mind not filled with preconceived notions )


  虚怀若谷 means: 'one's ability to accept (new idea or different opinion) is as vast as a valley.'


In short, a man who is 虚怀若谷, is a humble and open minded man