"De Dao Duo Zhu" (He who upholds justice receives abundant support) originates from Mencius: Gongsun Chou II. The original sentence reads, "He who upholds justice receives abundant support, while he who violates justice receives little support," meaning that those who practice benevolent governance and uphold moral principles will inevitably receive widespread support and assistance. The "Dao" here can be understood as justice, morality, or the correct strategy of governance. This idiom emphasizes the power of morality and justice: when a person's or a group's actions conform to moral principles and align with the will of the people, they will win internal unity and external assistance; conversely, if they violate moral principles, they will be deserted by their followers and allies. In modern contexts, it is often used in fields such as politics, business, and social activities to illustrate that a just cause can unite people's hearts and garner support from multiple parties. In terms of emotional tone, this idiom carries a commendatory and admonitory sense, encouraging people to prioritize morality and justice in their actions. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the Confucian ideas of "benevolent governance" and "the kingly way," serving as a typical expression of the concept of "winning people over by virtue" in Chinese culture. It is mostly used in formal discussions, speeches, or commentaries to argue for the causal relationship between justice and support.
📝 Example
1. In international counter-terrorism cooperation, only by upholding fairness and justice can countries win widespread support and jointly safeguard world peace.
2. This enterprise has long operated with integrity and given back to society, so in times of crisis it received widespread support and gained generous assistance from many partners.