📖 Meaning
Accumulating good deeds over time leads to the formation of noble moral character. It expresses the idea that consistent virtuous conduct gradually builds one's inner moral foundation. The idiom emphasizes that moral excellence is achieved through persistent practice of good actions rather than innate endowment.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the work 'Xunzi: An Exhortation to Learning' (《荀子·劝学》) by the Warring States period philosopher Xunzi (荀子, c. 313–238 BCE). In the passage, Xunzi argues that learning and self-cultivation are cumulative processes, using the metaphor of soil piled up to form a hill and water gathered to form a deep pool. He writes that 'accumulating good deeds forms virtue, and the spirit of wisdom is thereby attained,' stressing that moral character and wisdom are not granted at birth but earned through steady, persistent effort.
💡 Example Usage
爷爷一辈子乐于助人，积善成德，深受邻里敬重。
Grandpa spent his whole life helping others; by accumulating good deeds he built up noble virtue and earned the deep respect of his neighbors.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 积善成德
- Pinyin: jī shàn chéng dé
- Literal Translation: accumulate, good, become, virtue
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4