picture
This character has multiple meanings. When used as a noun, this character refers to a picture, painting or plan, such as lan tu, which refers to a blueprint, or di tu, which means a map. Xiong tu refers to a great plan or undertaking. It can also be used as a verb, which means to plan, attempt or contrive to do something. For instance, qi tu means to attempt to do something. Tu qiang means being determined to make the country strong.
励精图治
lì jīng tú zhì
Li means to encourage or raise while jing refers to spirit or morale. Tu means striving to and zhi refers to governance of the state. This proverb, taken literally, means to boost morale and to do the best to improve governance of the state. It usually serves as encouragement or a description for the government or ruler to make great efforts to build and maintain a strong country.
This proverb originated from a story in the Book of Han or Han Shu by the Han scholar Ban Gu (32–92). This is a story about Emperor Xuan of Han (91–49 BCE), the great-grandson of Emperor Zhao. After Emperor Zhao died in 74 BCE, the regent Huo Guang (?–68 BCE) declared Xuan the emperor of the Han. During his early reign, Emperor Xuan remained intimidated by the powers of Huo and was always humble before him. In 68 BCE, Huo Guang died, but his son, grandnephews, and sons-in-law remained in key posts. In 66 BCE, the entire Huo clan was destroyed for having amassed too much power. The Book of Han says that Emperor Xuan began taking personal control of the empire and that he strived for the good of the country. He lowered taxes, liberalized the government and employed capable ministers. Under his reign, the Han Dynasty prospered economically and militarily. Since then, this proverb has been cited as a description of rulers who were considered hardworking and diligent, making an effort to bring about social stability and wealth to their countries and people. Today, it is still regarded as one of the essential qualities that define great leadership. Leaders who are determined to improve their companies or countries can be described as li jing tu zhi, especially when they bring an end to a rough time or downturn in the industry or state and revive the business or economy.
Li means to encourage or raise while jing refers to spirit or morale. Tu means striving to and zhi refers to governance of the state. This proverb, taken literally, means to boost morale and to do the best to improve governance of the state. It usually serves as encouragement or a description for the government or ruler to make great efforts to build and maintain a strong country.
This proverb originated from a story in the Book of Han or Han Shu by the Han scholar Ban Gu (32–92). This is a story about Emperor Xuan of Han (91–49 BCE), the great-grandson of Emperor Zhao. After Emperor Zhao died in 74 BCE, the regent Huo Guang (?–68 BCE) declared Xuan the emperor of the Han. During his early reign, Emperor Xuan remained intimidated by the powers of Huo and was always humble before him. In 68 BCE, Huo Guang died, but his son, grandnephews, and sons-in-law remained in key posts. In 66 BCE, the entire Huo clan was destroyed for having amassed too much power. The Book of Han says that Emperor Xuan began taking personal control of the empire and that he strived for the good of the country. He lowered taxes, liberalized the government and employed capable ministers. Under his reign, the Han Dynasty prospered economically and militarily. Since then, this proverb has been cited as a description of rulers who were considered hardworking and diligent, making an effort to bring about social stability and wealth to their countries and people. Today, it is still regarded as one of the essential qualities that define great leadership. Leaders who are determined to improve their companies or countries can be described as li jing tu zhi, especially when they bring an end to a rough time or downturn in the industry or state and revive the business or economy.
(edited by REN GUANHONG)