满招损,谦受益 – Chinese philosophy and culture

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mǎn zhāo sǔn, qiān shòu yì 满招损,谦受益

Complacency Leads to Failure; Modesty to Success.

骄傲自满会招致损害,谦虚谨慎会得到益处。“满”即自满、自负,自以为满足;“谦”即“敬”,由衷地恭顺谨慎。古人认为,一切都在不断的变化之中,优劣成败会转化;人要与时俱进,不断努力,不能满足于已经取得的成绩,裹足不前;要放低姿态,虚怀若谷,时时克服自身不足。小到一人,大到一国,皆如此。这与中华民族“自强不息”的精神息息相通。

Conceit and complacency cause failure whereas modesty and prudence bring success. Ancient Chinese believed that all things were in constant change, and advantages might turn into disadvantages, and vice versa. One should keep pace with the times, work hard and never be complacent about what has been achieved; and one should keep a low profile, be modest, and be eager to overcome his weakness. The same applies to either an individual or a nation. This belief echoes the Chinese character of endeavoring ceaselessly for self-improvement.

引例 Citation:

◎满招损,谦受益,时乃天道。(《尚书·大禹谟》)

(自满招致损失,谦虚得到益处,这就是天地万物的普遍规律。)

Complacency leads to failure, while modesty to success. This is a universal law governing all things under heaven. (The Book of History)

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