📖 Meaning
To recommend and promote virtuous, capable people and those who have made meritorious contributions. The phrase emphasizes that recognizing talent and rewarding achievement inspires others to strive for excellence. It reflects a classical principle of governance aimed at strengthening the state.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Rites of Zhou' (周礼), in the chapter on the Grand Minister of War (夏官·大司马). The text states that advancing the virtuous and promoting the meritorious can invigorate the nation. The Tang dynasty scholar Jia Gongyan (贾公彥) explained in his commentary that when ministers with virtue and accomplishments are appointed to office, it inspires the people within the state to pursue good deeds and take pride in their work, preventing them from neglecting virtuous endeavors.
💡 Example Usage
古代明君皆以进贤兴功为治国之本。
Wise rulers of ancient times all regarded the promotion of the virtuous and meritorious as the foundation of governance.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 进贤兴功
- Pinyin: jìn xián xīng gōng
- Literal Translation: advance, the worthy, promote, merit
- Category: Leadership
- Characters: 4