达则兼济天下

達則兼濟天下
dá zé jiān jì tiānxià
quotation

Meanings

  1. 1 when successful, extend benefit to all under heaven - those who prosper should work for the public good
  2. 2 literally: when advanced / successful, then also help (all under) heaven

Examples

HSK 7-9
Qǐyèjiā yào yǒu dázéjiānjìtiānxià de qínghuái.
Entrepreneurs should have the spirit of 'when successful, benefit all under heaven'.
HSK 7-9
Tā chénggōng hòu jījí zuò císhàn, zhēnzhèng zuòdào le dázéjiānjìtiānxià.
After his success he has been an active philanthropist - truly 'benefiting all under heaven once prosperous'.

Tips

history
From 《孟子·尽心上》 (Mencius, Jin Xin I): 穷则独善其身,达则兼济天下 - 'When poor, cultivate yourself alone; when successful, benefit all under heaven.' The Confucian model of the scholar-gentleman's responsibility scaling with his power. Widely reused in modern CSR / philanthropy discourse.
usage
Paired couplet - standardly quoted with its mate 穷则独善其身. Classical / moral register; common in graduation speeches, entrepreneurship forums, and philanthropy rhetoric.

Stroke Order

jiān
tiān
xià