实事求是

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: shí shì qiú shì
• English Translation: To seek truth from facts; to base conclusions on objective reality
• Idiom Composition: 「实」（Fact, reality）＋「事」（Matter, affair）＋「求」（To seek, to pursue）＋「是」（Truth, correctness）
• Meaning: To clarify the truth or essence of matters based on objective facts. It refers to an attitude of seeking truth by eliminating preconceived notions and subjective biases, and investigating reality as it actually is.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「实事求是」 contains the following nuances:

• Emphasis on objectivity: Emphasizes relying on objective facts rather than subjective opinions or guesses.
• Pursuit of truth: Represents an attitude of uncovering the essence and truth of things without being misled by superficial appearances.
• Focus on practice: Highlights the importance of clarifying truth through actual investigation and research.
• Pragmatism: Refers to thinking and actions based on real situations rather than abstract or unrealistic theories.

3. Usage

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

• Academics and research: Used to describe the attitude of seeking truth based on objective data in academic and research contexts.
  • Example:「在科学研究中，我们应当坚持实事求是的原则，不能有任何虚假。」
    （In scientific research, we should adhere to the principle of seeking truth from facts and avoid any falsehood.）
• Work and problem-solving: Refers to making appropriate judgments and responses based on realistic situations in work and problem-solving.
  • Example:「他对待工作总是实事求是，从不弄虚作假。」
    （He always approaches work with a truth-seeking attitude and never resorts to deception.）
• Attitude and approach: Describes a person's attitude or approach as realistic and sincere.
  • Example:「面对困难，我们要保持冷静，实事求是地分析问题。」
    （When facing difficulties, we must remain calm and analyze problems with a pragmatic and truth-seeking mindset.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这个报告写得非常客观，完全符合实事求是的精神。
   （This report is written very objectively and fully aligns with the spirit of seeking truth from facts.）
2. 在教育孩子时，我们也要实事求是，根据他们的个性和能力来制定教育计划。
   （When educating children, we should also follow the spirit of seeking truth from facts and create education plans based on their personalities and abilities.）
3. 我们要实事求是地评价一个人的功过是非。
   （We must evaluate a person's merits and faults with a truth-seeking attitude.）
4. 领导干部要深入基层，实事求是地了解情况。
   （Leaders should go deep into the grassroots and understand the situation with a pragmatic and truth-seeking approach.）
5. 做任何事情都要实事求是，不能想当然。
   （In everything we do, we must be truth-seeking and not act on assumptions.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• '实事求是' originally appeared in the Eastern Han dynasty historian Ban Gu's 'Book of Han' as a phrase expressing a sincere attitude toward scholarship. It aligns with the Confucian concept of 'investigating things to acquire knowledge,' emphasizing understanding the essence of matters.
• The idiom is also an important ideological principle of the Chinese Communist Party, reflecting a Marxist materialist and dialectical approach that starts from reality to seek truth and apply it in practice.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 脚踏实地 (jiǎo tà shí dì): To proceed steadily with one's feet on the ground; to work diligently and practically.
  • 求真务实 (qiú zhēn wù shí): To seek truth and focus on practical results.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 空谈误国 (kōng tán wù guó): Empty talk leads to the ruin of a country.
  • 纸上谈兵 (zhǐ shàng tán bīng): Armchair strategizing; empty theorizing without practical experience.

6. Summary

'实事求是' is an important idiom deeply rooted in Chinese history, culture, and modern political thought. Understanding this phrase helps grasp the Chinese way of thinking and values. By applying the spirit of 'seeking truth from facts' in academics, work, and daily life, one can make more objective and truthful judgments and actions.