"When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a man" comes from Mencius, under Gaozi Part II. The original text reads: "When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on a man, it will first test his resolve, exhaust his muscles and bones, starve his body and skin, and subject him to poverty and hardship, disrupting all his undertakings. In this way, it stimulates his mind, toughens his nature, and supplies his incompetence." The idiom means: when Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon someone, it will first make him undergo all kinds of tribulations and trials, thereby tempering his will and enhancing his abilities. The deeper meaning lies in emphasizing that adversity is an indispensable path to achieving great endeavors — suffering is not punishment, but rather a crucible that forges heroes. It is mostly used to encourage others or motivate oneself, explaining the value of hardship when facing setbacks and difficulties. In terms of cultural background, it embodies the Confucian positive outlook on life — "one survives in sorrow and perishes in ease" — and shares the same spirit as "hardship and adversity make one successful." In emotional tone, the idiom carries a sense of solemnity, inspiration, and perseverance, and is often used to comfort the discouraged or spur on those who strive.
📝 Example
1. He failed three times in starting businesses and was deeply in debt, but he firmly believed that Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on him. Gritting his teeth and persevering, he finally built a listed company. (Meaning: When Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on someone, it first makes them endure hardships, so as to motivate themselves to see failure as the groundwork for success.)
2. The coach said to the injured young athlete, "Don't be discouraged. Heaven is about to confer a great responsibility on you. These injuries will only make you stronger." (Meaning: Using hardships to temper one's willpower, showing that the setbacks before one's eyes are the necessary trials before undertaking a greater mission.)