諺語 · a single proverb
集思廣益
Simplified: 集思广益
What does 集思廣益 (jí sī guǎng yì) mean?
集思廣益 (jí sī guǎng yì) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "gather thoughts for broader benefit." In use it means: Collecting ideas from many people leads to better decisions; the wisdom of the group exceeds the individual. 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: "gather thoughts for broader benefit."
The reading
One brain has one perspective and thinks it sees the whole room. Ten brains have ten perspectives and actually do. The person who gathers input before deciding is not indecisive. They are building a view that no single mind could construct alone. Collect first. Decide after.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Records of the Three Kingdoms 三國志, attributed to Zhuge Liang's policy
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 Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 集思廣益 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 集思廣益 (jí sī guǎng yì) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Records of the Three Kingdoms 三國志, attributed to Zhuge Liang's policy. 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 集思廣益?
In Mandarin it is jí sī guǎng yì. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 集思廣益 aloud in Mandarin.