📖 Meaning
A wise and open-minded person understands and accepts the decrees of fate. It describes someone who is philosophical about life's circumstances and does not resent what cannot be changed. The phrase praises an attitude of serene acceptance toward one's destiny.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Bo's famous preface 'Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng' (滕王阁序). In the text, Wang Bo writes that a gentleman is content with poverty, while a person of great understanding knows and accepts fate. The line reflects the traditional Confucian-Daoist ideal of maintaining inner peace regardless of external fortune or misfortune.
💡 Example Usage
他一生坎坷却从不怨天尤人，可谓达人知命。
He endured a lifetime of hardship without ever blaming heaven or others—truly a man of understanding who accepts his fate.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 达人知命
- Pinyin: dá rén zhī mìng
- Literal Translation: accomplished person, knows, fate
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4