励精图治

Pinyin:lì jīng tú zhì

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📖 Meaning

To strive for excellence and good governance

📜 Origin

《汉书》

💡 Detailed Explanation

"Lijing Tuzhi" means to rouse one's spirits and devote every effort to governing a country or undertaking. In this phrase, "li" means to inspire or rouse, "jing" refers to spirit, "tu" means to seek or plan, and "zhi" means to govern. This idiom originates from the "Book of Han: Biography of Wei Xiang" and describes a ruler or leader who is diligent in state affairs and determined to forge ahead, striving to bring the country or organization to a state of stability and prosperity. Its deeper meaning emphasizes not only outward effort but also inner will and determination. It is often used to praise rulers or managers who strive to strengthen themselves and make achievements in difficult times. It is mostly used in formal, commendatory contexts, often appearing in historical evaluations, political essays, or praise of outstanding leaders. Culturally, it embodies the Confucian sense of responsibility and active engagement in the world expressed in "cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world." Its emotional tone is solemn and positive, carrying a sense of admiration and affirmation. In modern times, it can also be used to describe entrepreneurs or team leaders who lead an organization out of adversity and open up new prospects.

📝 Example

1. The newly appointed mayor devoted himself to revitalizing the city, and in just three years, he brought new life to this resource-exhausted city. 2. The founder of this startup worked tirelessly to strengthen the company, leading the team to overcome technical challenges and eventually gain a firm foothold in the market.