諺語 · a single proverb
明哲保身
What does 明哲保身 (míng zhé bǎo shēn) mean?
明哲保身 (míng zhé bǎo shēn) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "bright wisdom protects the self." In use it means: The wise person recognizes danger and keeps safe; prudent self-preservation. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Metal note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "bright wisdom protects the self."
The reading
Knowing when to step forward and when to be still is the older half of courage. The candle that understands the wind does not need to be brave, only observant. Wisdom sometimes looks like withdrawal and is actually survival.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Shi Jing 詩經·大雅·烝民 (Zhēng Mín, Book of Songs)
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 Rabbit, Year of the Frog, and Year of the Rat.
Questions
Is 明哲保身 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 明哲保身 (míng zhé bǎo shēn) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Shi Jing 詩經·大雅·烝民 (Zhēng Mín, Book of Songs). 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 明哲保身?
In Mandarin it is míng zhé bǎo shēn. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 明哲保身 aloud in Mandarin.