📖 Meaning
This idiom means to assist the ruler of the current age in governing the people. It reflects the Confucian belief that virtue is the foremost qualification for political leadership, surpassing both rank and age. It describes the noble duty of guiding and governing society through moral authority.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from Mencius (《孟子·公孙丑下》), a foundational Confucian text from the Warring States period. Mencius stated that there are three universally respected things in the world: rank, age, and virtue. In the royal court rank is most respected, in local communities age is most respected, but when it comes to assisting the world and governing the people, virtue is paramount. The passage underscores Mencius's conviction that moral character is the supreme qualification for those who lead and govern.
💡 Example Usage
辅世长民之重任，非有大德者不能担当。
The heavy responsibility of assisting the realm and governing the people cannot be borne by anyone lacking great virtue.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 辅世长民
- Pinyin: fǔ shì zhǎng mín
- Literal Translation: assist, the world, govern, the people
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4