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.
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.
Related Proverbs
树欲静而风不止
Shù yù jìng ér fēng bù zhǐ
"The tree wants to stay quiet, but the wind won't stop blowing"
一口吃不成胖子
Yī kǒu chī bù chéng pàngzi
"You cannot become fat from just one bite"
近水知鱼性，近山识鸟音
Jìn shuǐ zhī yú xìng, jìn shān shí niǎo yīn
"Near water, know fish nature; near mountains, recognize bird calls"
不当家不知柴米贵
Bù dāngjiā bù zhī cháimǐ guì
"If you don't manage a household, you won't know how expensive firewood and rice are"
无可奉告
Wú kě fèng gào
"No comment / Nothing to report"
兼听则明，偏信则暗
Jiān tīng zé míng, piān xìn zé àn
"Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; trust only one side and you will be in the dark"