乐善好施
(lè shàn hào shī)
Enjoy Doing Good and Love Sharing
The Chinese idiom "乐善好施" (lè shàn hào shī) is a phrase that conveys the value of compassion and generosity. Commonly translated as "Enjoy doing good and love sharing," this idiom encourages selfless acts of kindness and underscores the joy that comes from helping others. It is deeply rooted in Chinese moral teachings and continues to resonate in modern society.
Origin and Meaning
The idiom "乐善好施" combines four characters: "乐" (lè), meaning "to take pleasure in"; "善" (shàn), meaning "goodness" or "kindness"; "好" (hào), meaning "to be fond of"; and "施" (shī), meaning "to give" or "to bestow." 
One account of this idiom's origin comes from The Book of Jin (晋书), a historical text from the seventh century. It tells the story of Sun Gui (孙晷), a man renowned for his generosity within his village. Sun was known for sharing food and blankets with the elderly and the poor, never refusing help to those in need. During one particularly difficult year, when a poor harvest caused the price of rice to soar, some villagers resorted to stealing food from Sun's fields. Sun noticed them in the act but chose not to confront them. Instead, after the villagers had left, he harvested additional rice and brought it to them as gifts. Deeply moved and ashamed by his kindness, the villagers never attempted to steal from Sun again.
This idiom draws on Confucian principles, particularly the virtue of "仁" (rén), often translated as "benevolence" or "humaneness." It reflects a key aspect of traditional Chinese values: the importance of contributing to the welfare of others. In Chinese culture, those who are in a position to help are expected to do so, not out of obligation but out of genuine concern and pleasure in doing good. This concept is evident in the historical practice of philanthropy, where wealthy families and influential figures were expected to engage in acts of charity, supporting public works, education, and poverty relief. The idiom also emphasizes the joy and personal fulfillment that come from selfless acts of kindness. It suggests that true happiness is found in contributing to the well-being of others and that these actions help build a harmonious and stable society.
Modern Relevance
Today, this idiom is often used to praise individuals or organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to charity and social responsibility. For example, a company that donates a portion of its profits to support education or healthcare might be described as "乐善好施." Similarly, individuals who dedicate their time and resources to charitable causes, such as disaster relief or community support, are often lauded with this phrase.
This idiom serves as a reminder that true fulfillment and joy come from making a positive difference in the lives of others, contributing to a more compassionate and just world.
