📖 Meaning
To pursue personal interests and seek selfish profit at the expense of public duty. It describes those who exploit their position for private gain rather than serving the collective good. The term carries a strong sense of moral condemnation.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Liang Qichao's late Qing dynasty work 'On the Origins of China's Weakness' (《中国积弱溯源论》), Section Four. Liang argued that once a minister dedicates himself to the nation, he should weigh only the interests of the people, not his own personal gain. He explicitly stated that seeking private profit (营私罔利) was inexcusable for public servants, reflecting his reformist critique of corrupt officialdom in the declining Qing empire.
💡 Example Usage
他身居要职却营私罔利，最终受到了法律的严惩。
He held a high office yet sought private profit at public expense, and ultimately faced severe legal punishment.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 营私罔利
- Pinyin: yíng sī wǎng lì
- Literal Translation: seek private, pursue profit
- Category: Morality
- Characters: 4