諺語 · a single proverb
高瞻遠矚
Simplified: 高瞻远瞩
What does 高瞻遠矚 (gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ) mean?
高瞻遠矚 (gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "look high, gaze far." In use it means: Think ahead with broad vision; farsighted strategic thinking. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Wood note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Dragon.
Literally: "look high, gaze far."
The reading
The crane standing on the rock at the edge of the marsh sees the storm arriving long before those who are sheltered in the reeds. Height of perspective is not arrogance but a gift, one that carries the obligation to speak clearly of what is seen. The view from above is only useful when it comes back down.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional Chinese idiom (common in political and strategic literature)
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Wisdom & Learning, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Dragon, Year of the Frog, and Year of the Rat.
Questions
Is 高瞻遠矚 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 高瞻遠矚 (gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Traditional Chinese idiom (common in political and strategic literature). It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 高瞻遠矚?
In Mandarin it is gāo zhān yuǎn zhǔ. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 高瞻遠矚 aloud in Mandarin.