📖 Meaning
To improve one's moral character while expanding one's accomplishments and career. It describes the dual pursuit of inner virtue and outer achievement as complementary goals. The phrase emphasizes that moral cultivation and professional success should advance together.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Book of Changes (Zhouyi), one of the oldest Chinese classics, specifically from the Qian hexagram section. The original text states that a gentleman (junzi) should advance in virtue and cultivate his achievements. It reflects the Confucian ideal that personal moral development and practical contributions to society are inseparable duties. The Zhouyi, compiled during the Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE), is one of the Five Classics of Chinese thought.
💡 Example Usage
邹韬奋在《经历》中说，所谓有价值的书，是必须使人看了在进德修业上得到多少的灵感。
In his book Experiences, Zou Taofen said that a truly valuable book must inspire readers to make progress in advancing virtue and cultivating achievements.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 进德修业
- Pinyin: jìn dè xiū yè
- Literal Translation: advance, virtue, cultivate, achievement
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4