📖 Meaning
To be indifferent to both favor and disgrace. It describes a transcendent, worldly-detached attitude where one is untroubled by worldly success or failure. The phrase conveys a serene, philosophical composure in the face of life's ups and downs.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from 'Yueyang Tower' (岳阳楼记), a famous essay written by the Song dynasty statesman and writer Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹) around 1046. In the essay, Fan describes ascending the tower and feeling completely at ease, forgetting both worldly favor and disgrace while holding a cup of wine in the wind. The work is celebrated as a masterpiece of classical Chinese prose, and the line embodies the Confucian ideal of serene detachment from personal gain and loss.
💡 Example Usage
他退休后寄情山水，宠辱皆忘，过着恬淡闲适的生活。
After retirement, he immersed himself in nature, forgot both favor and disgrace, and lived a tranquil, carefree life.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 宠辱皆忘
- Pinyin: chǒng rǔ jiē wàng
- Literal Translation: favor, disgrace, all, forget
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4