Chinese Idiom: 任人唯贤 (Ren Ren Wei Xian)
English Translation: Appoint people based on their merits.
pīn yīn: rèn rén wéi xián
Idiom Meaning: This idiom signifies the principle of selecting and appointing individuals solely based on their virtues and abilities, regardless of personal relationships or connections.
Historical Source: “Han Feizi” (《韩非子 ·外储说左下》)
Idiom Story:
In 686 BC, the state of Qi faced internal strife when its ruler, Duke Xiang of Qi, was assassinated. The following year, two of his brothers—Gongzi Jiu in the State of Lu and Gongzi Xiaobai in the State of Ju—returned from their respective countries to vie for the throne.
Among them was Guan Zhong, who had always supported Gongzi Jiu. He attempted to ambush Gongzi Xiaobai on his way, but failed and was captured. Eventually, Gongzi Xiaobai emerged victorious and became the new ruler, known as Duke Huan of Qi.
After seizing power, Duke Huan forced the execution of Gongzi Jiu and took Guan Zhong back to Qi in a prisoner cart. Along the way, Guan Zhong, feeling hungry and thirsty, sought food from a local official. This official respected Guan Zhong’s talents and, anticipating that Duke Huan would appreciate capable individuals, discreetly offered him food while asking how Guan Zhong would repay him if he were to be spared and eventually promoted.
Guan Zhong replied, “If I am fortunate enough to be spared and gain power, I will appoint the virtuous, use the capable, and reward those who contribute. Beyond that, I have nothing else to offer you.”
True to his word, Guan Zhong was later appointed as the Prime Minister by Duke Huan. He implemented significant reforms and adhered to his promise of appointing capable individuals, which strengthened the state and established Duke Huan as the first hegemony of the Spring and Autumn period.
The legacy of Duke Huan and Guan Zhong’s commitment to meritocracy and selecting individuals based on talent continues to inspire people today.
