自强不息

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: zì qiáng bù xī
• English Translation: Striving unceasingly for self-improvement
• Idiom Composition: 「自」（Self; by oneself）＋「强」（To strengthen; to strive; to make oneself better）＋「不」（Not; never）＋「息」（To stop; to rest; to cease）
• Meaning: To constantly strive for self-improvement without ever giving up or becoming complacent. It is a highly positive (commendatory) term used to praise an individual's spiritual strength or the indomitable spirit of a nation or people.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「自强不息」 contains the following nuances:

• Internal Drive: Emphasizes the will to improve "self" (自) through one's own initiative rather than being forced by external pressure.
• Perpetual Effort: As the words "never ceasing" (不息) suggest, this refers to a lifelong or long-term persistence rather than a temporary burst of energy.
• Mental Fortitude: Includes psychological resilience and the toughness to face adversity, going beyond mere physical strength or skill acquisition.

3. Usage

「自强不息」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Slogans and Mottoes: Used as a school motto, corporate philosophy, or personal maxim to represent an ideal state of constant growth. It carries a formal and dignified tone.
  • Example:「这所大学的校训是“自强不息，厚德载物”。」
    （The school motto of this university is "Strive unceasingly for self-improvement, and carry the world with virtue."）
• Praising National or Ethnic Spirit: Often used as a set phrase to honor the resilience of a people or nation that has overcome historical hardships.
  • Example:「正是这种自强不息的精神，支撑着我们度过了最艰难的时期。」
    （It is precisely this spirit of unremitting self-effort that supported us through the most difficult times.）
• Personal Encouragement and Resolve: Used to encourage someone in adversity or to inspire oneself. It is preferred in speeches, writing, or formal conversations rather than casual daily talk.
  • Example:「无论遇到什么挫折，都要自强不息，勇敢前行。」
    （No matter what setbacks you encounter, you must strive unceasingly and move forward bravely.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他虽然身体残疾，但自强不息，最终成为了一名优秀的作家。
   （Despite his physical disability, he strove unceasingly for self-improvement and eventually became an outstanding writer.）
2. 我们要继承先辈自强不息的优良传统。
   （We must inherit the fine tradition of unremitting self-effort from our ancestors.）
3. 只有自强不息，才能在激烈的竞争中立于不败之地。
   （Only by constantly striving for self-improvement can one remain undefeated in fierce competition.）
4. 这本书讲述了一个贫困少年自强不息的奋斗故事。
   （This book tells the story of a poor boy's struggle and his spirit of tireless self-improvement.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Origin: This idiom comes from the Qian Hexagram (乾卦) of the Book of Changes (诗经): "As heaven's movement is ever vigorous, so must a gentleman strive unceasingly for self-improvement" (天行健，君子以自强不息). It suggests that just as the stars and planets move without rest, a person of character should never stop improving.
• Pairing: It is often paired with the phrase 厚德载物 (hòu dé zài wù), meaning "to carry the world with great virtue." Together, they form the motto of Tsinghua University (清华大学), where 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī) represents masculine vigor and 厚德载物 (hòu dé zài wù) represents feminine tolerance and depth.
• Modern Context: In modern China, it remains a representative term for a positive and powerful life philosophy, frequently appearing in motivational contexts and patriotic discourse.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 发愤图强 (fā fèn tú qiáng): To resolve to work hard and make the country or oneself strong.link
  • 励精图治 (lì jīng tú zhì): To exert all one's efforts to govern a country or organization well.
  • 坚持不懈 (jiān chí bù xiè): To persevere unremittingly.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 自暴自弃 (zì bào zì qì): To give up on oneself and abandon all ambition; to wallow in despair.link
  • 得过且过 (dé guò qiě guò): To muddle along or drift through life without any goals or ambition.link

6. Summary

Derived from the Book of Changes (易经), 自强不息 (zì qiáng bù xī) is a prestigious idiom describing a spirit of tireless self-betterment, likened to the eternal movement of celestial bodies. It is frequently used as a personal motto or as a spiritual pillar for organizations and nations, emphasizing both autonomy and persistence.