Chinese Idiom: 兼收并蓄 (Jian Shou Bing Xu)
English Translation: Collect and Store All
pīn yīn: jiān shōu bìng xù
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the practice of collecting and preserving various different things together, encompassing a wide range of items or ideas.
Historical Source: This idiom comes from a passage in Han Yu’s Advise on Study (《进学解》) during the Tang Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
In Advise on Study, Han Yu uses a metaphor to illustrate his philosophy on knowledge and the importance of incorporating diverse sources of learning. He contrasts the valuable and lesser-known medicinal materials to emphasize his point. Han Yu wrote:
“玉札丹砂，赤箭青芝，牛溲马勃，败鼓之皮，俱收并蓄，待用无遗者，医师之良也……”
This can be translated as: “Whether it’s the precious medicines like earth-embedded herbs and cinnabar, or the less valuable ones like caraway and mushroom fungus, all should be collected and preserved for use, just as a good physician collects and keeps all kinds of remedies.”
Han Yu’s intent was to convey that a wise person, much like a skilled doctor, should gather and appreciate all kinds of knowledge and resources, regardless of their perceived value. By doing so, one can be prepared to use the best of everything available and avoid wasting any potential.
Over time, the phrase “俱收并蓄” was adopted into the idiom “兼收并蓄,” which is used to describe the act of embracing and preserving a variety of things, ideas, or influences. It underscores the value of inclusiveness and comprehensive understanding.
