Chinese edit

 
to choose; to pick; to select
to choose; to pick; to select; to elect
worthy (person) to select; to choose
 
ability; can; may
ability; can; may; capable; energy; able
trad. (選賢與能)
simp. (选贤与能)
alternative forms 選賢舉能选贤举能

Etymology edit

From the Book of Rites, Book 9 (《禮記·禮運》):

大道天下為公選賢與能使 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
大道天下为公选贤与能使 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
From: The Book of Rites, c. 4th – 2nd century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version
Dàdào zhī xíng yě, tiānxià wéi gōng. Xuǎn xián yǔ néng, jiǎng xìn xiū mù, gù rén bù dú qīn qí qīn, bù dú zǐ qí zǐ, shǐ lǎo yǒu suǒ zhōng, zhuàng yǒu suǒ yòng, yòu yǒu suǒ zhǎng, jīn guǎ gū dú fèi jí zhě, jiē yǒu suǒ yǎng. [Pinyin]
When the Grand course was pursued, a public and common spirit ruled all under the sky; they chose men of talents, virtue, and ability; their words were sincere, and what they cultivated was harmony. Thus men did not love their parents only, nor treat as children only their own sons. A competent provision was secured for the aged till their death, employment for the able-bodied, and the means of growing up to the young. They showed kindness and compassion to widows, orphans, childless men, and those who were disabled by disease, so that they were all sufficiently maintained.

() is a tongjia character of ().

Pronunciation edit


Idiom edit

選賢與能

  1. to choose and appoint people of talents, virtue, and ability

See also edit