实事求是

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: shí shì qiú shì
• English Translation: Seeking truth from facts (being realistic and objective)
• Idiom Composition: 「实事」（Actual matters; objective facts.）＋「求」（To seek, research, or explore.）＋「是」（The truth, correct principles, or laws (not the modern meaning of 'to be').）
• Meaning: To seek the truth or the correct laws of things based on objective facts, setting aside subjectivity and prejudice. In modern usage, it is a complimentary term for an attitude of acting honestly and realistically according to the actual situation, avoiding idealism or ostentation.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「实事求是」 contains the following nuances:

• Scientific and Objective Attitude: Emphasizes a scientific and empirical approach that starts from the 'facts before one's eyes' rather than from fantasy or wishful thinking.
• Integrity and Honesty: Includes the ethical integrity of reporting and handling things exactly as they are, without lying or exaggerating.

3. Usage

「实事求是」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Work and Research Attitude: A formal expression used in business or academic settings to evaluate or demand a solid approach based on data and facts.
  • Example:「做市场调查必须实事求是，不能只报喜不报忧。」
    （When conducting market research, one must seek truth from facts and not just report the good news while hiding the bad.）
• Problem Solving: Used when advising that a situation should be handled by accurately grasping the current reality rather than relying on excuses or speculation.
  • Example:「我们要实事求是地分析这次失败的原因，不要互相推卸责任。」
    （We should analyze the cause of this failure objectively based on the facts instead of shifting blame to one another.）
• Politics and Slogans: A crucial keyword in Chinese political discourse, frequently mentioned as a guiding principle for organizations and leadership.
  • Example:「坚持实事求是的原则，是我们在工作中取得成功的关键。」
    （Adhering to the principle of seeking truth from facts is the key to our success in our work.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他这个人一向实事求是，从来不说大话。
   （He has always been realistic and down-to-earth, never making empty boasts.）
2. 写简历要实事求是，夸大经历反而会失去信任。
   （When writing a resume, you should stick to the facts; exaggerating your experience will only lead to a loss of trust.）
3. 不管情况多么复杂，我们都要采取实事求是的态度。
   （No matter how complex the situation is, we must adopt an attitude of facing the facts as they are.）
4. 老师教导我们，做学问要严谨，必须实事求是。
   （The teacher taught us that scholarship should be rigorous and must always be evidence-based.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Source: From the Book of Han (诗经), 'Biography of the King of Hejian.' Originally, it referred to a philological academic attitude of collecting ancient documents to find the truth.
• Political Significance: In modern China, Mao Zedong (毛泽东) redefined this term as the core of the Communist Party's ideological line. It was used to criticize 'dogmatism' and remains a very weighty term today.
• School Motto: Due to its academic resonance and emphasis on integrity, it serves as the motto for many institutions, such as Renmin University of China (中国人民大学) and Hunan University (湖南大学).

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì): To have one's feet on solid ground; to do things steadily and earnestly.link
  • 循名责实 (xún míng zé shí): To demand that the reality matches the title or reputation.
  • 有的放矢 (yǒu dì fàng shǐ): To have a definite object in view.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 弄虚作假 (nòng xū zuò jiǎ): To practice fraud; to resort to deception or fabricate facts.link
  • 哗众取宠 (huá zhòng qǔ chǒng): To play to the gallery; to use grand words or actions just to win public favor.
  • 不切实际 (bù qiè shí jì): Unrealistic; impractical.link

6. Summary

实事求是 (shí shì qiú shì) is a highly positive and serious idiom that emphasizes pursuing truth based on evidence. It is used in academic, business, and political contexts to praise or demand a 'realistic,' 'objective,' and 'honest' attitude. It carries a stronger nuance of valuing data and evidence than simply being 'honest.'