📖 Meaning
When obtaining profit or advantage, one should first consider whether it accords with righteousness and moral principle. It describes a person of integrity who does not greedily seize wealth but weighs ethical conduct against personal gain.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase originates from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), a pre-Qin historical text attributed to Zuo Qiuming, specifically from the 28th year of Duke Zhao (昭公二十八年). The full passage reads: 'When enjoying benefits, think of righteousness; when in hardship, think of purity; have a steadfast heart and no improper conduct.' The text praised a gentleman who maintained moral integrity in both prosperity and adversity, refusing to compromise his principles for material gain. It became a classical expression of Confucian virtue emphasizing that righteousness must take precedence over profit.
💡 Example Usage
经商之道在于居利思义，切不可为求富贵而失了本心。
The way of business lies in thinking of righteousness when gaining profit; one must never lose one's conscience in pursuit of wealth.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 居利思义
- Pinyin: jū lì sī yì
- Literal Translation: occupy, profit, think, righteousness
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4