自强不息

Pronunciation: zì qiáng bù xī
Literal meaning: Self-strengthen without ceasing

Origin & Usage

This motivational idiom advocates constantly (不息) strengthening (强) oneself (自), originating from the Classic of Changes during the early Zhou Dynasty. It represented one of the fundamental virtues attributed to Heaven's ceaseless motion and energy. Confucian scholars later emphasized it as the superior person's approach to self-cultivation and moral development. During the late Qing Dynasty, it gained renewed significance as a national motto during modernization efforts, emphasizing China's need for internal renewal. Unlike terms for simple effort, it specifically emphasizes internal development rather than external comparison. Modern usage encourages continuous self-improvement regardless of circumstances, particularly in contexts of personal development, national renewal, or organizational transformation.

Examples

English: "Despite her disability, she trained daily and eventually won the championship"

Chinese: 尽管身有残疾，她每天坚持训练，最终赢得了冠军

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