自力更生

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zì lì gēng shēng
• English Translation: Self-reliance; rebuilding one's life through one's own efforts
• Idiom Composition: 「自」（Oneself）＋「力」（Strength, power）＋「更」（Again, furthermore）＋「生」（To live, to produce）
• Meaning: To rebuild one's life and accomplish things relying on one's own strength without depending on others. It expresses a strong will and action to be self-reliant, overcome difficulties, and achieve goals.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「自力更生」 contains the following nuances:

• Independence: Expresses a strong will to proceed with matters relying on one's own strength without depending on others or external assistance.
• Effort: Shows an attitude of actively making efforts and forging a path even in difficult situations.
• Reconstruction: Has a proactive meaning of not only maintaining life but also building a better state.
• Spirit: Emphasizes not only material aspects but also mental independence and strength.

3. Usage

「自力更生」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Individual: Describes an individual in a difficult situation who forges a path through their own efforts.
  • Example:「他失去了工作，但他没有放弃，而是自力更生，开了一家小店。」
    （He lost his job but did not give up; instead, he relied on himself and opened a small shop.）
• Organizations: Refers to companies or organizations rebuilding their management relying on their own strength without external support.
  • Example:「这家企业在危机中坚持自力更生，最终成功转型。」
    （This company persisted in self-reliance during the crisis and ultimately succeeded in transforming.）
• Nation: Describes a nation aiming for development relying on its own strength without depending on foreign aid.
  • Example:「这个国家倡导自力更生，努力发展本国经济。」
    （This country advocates self-reliance and strives to develop its own economy.）

Additional Examples:

1. 面对家庭的变故，她选择了自力更生，独自抚养孩子。
   （Facing family upheaval, she chose self-reliance and raised her child alone.）
2. 在创业初期，他们没有资金，只能自力更生，艰苦奋斗。
   （At the start of their business, they had no funds and had to rely on themselves, struggling hard.）
3. 我们要发扬自力更生的精神，克服一切困难。
   （We must carry forward the spirit of self-reliance and overcome all difficulties.）
4. 这个项目完全是靠我们自力更生完成的，没有依靠任何外援。
   （This project was completed entirely through our own efforts, without relying on any external aid.）
5. 教育孩子要学会自力更生，不能总是依赖父母。
   （Children must be taught to be self-reliant and not always depend on their parents.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Historical background: 'Self-reliance' was a slogan emphasized by Mao Zedong especially during the early years of the People's Republic of China. It arose from the necessity to build the nation relying on its own strength amid limited foreign aid. Due to this historical context, 'self-reliance' extends beyond individual independence and is also used as a national development strategy.
• Modern significance: Even today, 'self-reliance' is widely used to express the importance of independence and development for individuals, organizations, and nations alike. Especially in today's competitive society, the spirit of forging one's own path through self-reliance is increasingly important.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 自食其力 (zì shí qí lì): To support oneself through one's own labor.
  • 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī): To continuously strive for self-improvement without ceasing.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 依赖他人 (yī lài tā rén): To depend on others.
  • 坐享其成 (zuò xiǎng qí chéng): To enjoy the fruits of others' labor without effort.

6. Summary

'Self-reliance' is an idiom that goes beyond mere independence, expressing a strong will and action to overcome difficult situations through one's own strength and actively forge a better future. Deeply rooted in Chinese history and culture, this phrase carries a powerful message about the importance of independence and development for individuals, organizations, and nations alike in modern society. Understanding its historical background and contemporary significance allows for more profound empathy and persuasive communication when using this idiom.