居安思危
Jū ān sī wēi
"In times of peace, think of danger"
Quick Answer
居安思危 (Jū ān sī wēi) — "In times of peace, think of danger." Literal translation: Dwell (居) in peace/safety (安), think (思) of danger/crisis (危). The character 居 means to live or dwell, while 安 and 危 represent opposite states of safety and danger. This proverb advocates for vigilance and preparation even during prosperous times. It warns against complacency, reminding us that good fortune is temporary and that we should prepare for potential difficulties while we have the resources to do so.
Character Analysis
Dwell (居) in peace/safety (安), think (思) of danger/crisis (危). The character 居 means to live or dwell, while 安 and 危 represent opposite states of safety and danger.
Meaning & Significance
This proverb advocates for vigilance and preparation even during prosperous times. It warns against complacency, reminding us that good fortune is temporary and that we should prepare for potential difficulties while we have the resources to do so.
Historical Origin
About This Entry
This proverb comes from the Zuo Zhuan (左传), a historical commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals dating from around the 4th century BCE.
The Original Context
The Zuo Zhuan records:
居安思危，思则有备，有备无患
“In times of peace, think of danger; thinking leads to preparation; preparation prevents disaster.”
This creates a logical chain: awareness leads to preparation, which prevents future suffering.
Usage Examples
Business planning:
“企业要居安思危，不断创新才能生存。” “Companies must think of danger in peaceful times—only continuous innovation ensures survival.”
Personal finance:
“居安思危，我们应该存些应急基金。” “Think of danger in peaceful times—we should save some emergency funds.”
Modern Applications
This proverb applies to:
- Business strategy: Preparing for market changes during profitable periods
- Personal finance: Building savings during good times
- Health: Maintaining healthy habits before illness strikes
- International relations: Maintaining defense during peacetime
Cultural Philosophy
This proverb reflects the Chinese understanding that good times and bad times alternate. Rather than being surprised by misfortune, the wise person prepares for it during favorable periods.
Related Sayings
- 未雨绸缪 (Wèi yǔ chóu móu) - “Repair the house before it rains”
- 有备无患 (Yǒu bèi wú huàn) - “Preparedness prevents calamity”
See Also
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "居安思危" mean in English?
In times of peace, think of danger
How do you pronounce "居安思危"?
The pinyin pronunciation is: Jū ān sī wēi
What is the deeper meaning of "居安思危"?
This proverb advocates for vigilance and preparation even during prosperous times. It warns against complacency, reminding us that good fortune is temporary and that we should prepare for potential difficulties while we have the resources to do so.
What is the literal translation of "居安思危"?
Dwell (居) in peace/safety (安), think (思) of danger/crisis (危). The character 居 means to live or dwell, while 安 and 危 represent opposite states of safety and danger.
Where does "居安思危" come from?
This proverb originates from 左传 (Zuo Zhuan) (Spring and Autumn period (~5th century BCE)), attributed to Traditionally Zuo Qiuming (左丘明).
Related Proverbs
饱汉不知饿汉饥
Bǎo hàn bù zhī è hàn jī
"The well-fed man does not know the hungry man's hunger"
好死不如赖活着
Hǎo sǐ bù rú lài huó zhe
"A good death is not as good as a messy life"
尽人事，听天命
Jìn rén shì, tīng tiān mìng
"Do your best as a human, listen to heaven's decree"
人固有一死，或重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛
Rén gù yǒu yī sǐ, huò zhòng yú Tài Shān, huò qīng yú hóng máo
"Every person must die; some deaths are weightier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a goose feather"
因祸得福
Yīn huò dé fú
"From misfortune, obtain good fortune"
强中自有强中手
Qiáng zhōng zì yǒu qiáng zhōng shǒu
"Among the strong, there are stronger hands"