諺語 · a single proverb
心安理得
What does 心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé) mean?
心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語). Word for word it reads "heart at peace, reason obtained." In use it means: Have a clear conscience; feel morally justified and at ease with one's actions. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Earth note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Dog.
Literally: "heart at peace, reason obtained."
The reading
The person who has acted according to their values and can account for every step of their reasoning sleeps without argument. Conscience at rest is not comfort with mediocrity but the particular peace of having done what was right, clearly, and being able to say so in full light. This kind of peace cannot be counterfeited.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional Chinese idiom (common in moral and social contexts)
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 Harmony, Virtue & Balance, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Dog, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 心安理得 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 心安理得 (xīn ān lǐ dé) is a four-character classical idiom (chéngyǔ 成語), and it comes from Traditional Chinese idiom (common in moral and social contexts). 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 心安理得?
In Mandarin it is xīn ān lǐ dé. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 心安理得 aloud in Mandarin.