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必固其根本

bì gù qí gēnběn
quotation

Meanings

  1. 1 must first strengthen its roots — any lasting growth or success depends on solid foundations
  2. 2 literally: must make firm its roots

Examples

想让企业长青，必固其根本，先把文化和制度建好。
Xiǎng ràng qǐyè chángqīng, bìgùqígēnběn, xiān bǎ wénhuà hé zhìdù jiàn hǎo.
To keep a business evergreen, first strengthen its roots — build solid culture and systems first.
基础科学必固其根本，才能支撑长远创新。
Jīchǔ kēxué bìgùqígēnběn, cáinéng zhīchēng chángyuǎn chuàngxīn.
Basic science must have firm foundations if it is to sustain long-term innovation.

Tips

history
From Wei Zheng's (魏征) Tang memorial 《谏太宗十思疏》 (Ten Reflections Presented to Emperor Taizong), 637 CE. Opening passage: 臣闻求木之长者，必固其根本；欲流之远者，必浚其泉源 — 'I have heard that one who wishes a tree to grow tall must first make firm its roots; one who wishes a stream to flow far must first dredge its source.' Wei Zheng was famous for remonstrating bluntly with Emperor Taizong — and being heeded.
usage
Paired couplet — often quoted with 欲流之远者，必浚其泉源. Standard reference in policy, management, and pedagogical writing about foundations vs. surface effects.

Stroke Order

必 bì
固 gù
其 qí
根 gēn
本 běn