见贤思齐(見賢思齊)

Pronunciation: jiàn xián sī qí Literal meaning: See worthy wish equal

Origin & Usage

Derived from Confucius's Analects, this phrase encourages people who see (见) the worthy (贤) to wish (思) to equal (齐) them. It embodied the Confucian ideal of self-improvement through positive example. During the Han Dynasty, it became a cornerstone of educational philosophy, promoting active emulation of moral exemplars. The idiom suggests that progress comes not from mere admiration but from conscious effort to match others' achievements. Contemporary usage emphasizes professional and personal development, encouraging people to transform inspiration into action. It promotes healthy competition and continuous improvement while maintaining humility.

When to Use

Situation: Reading about innovative leaders motivated her to enhance her skills

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