secretly pacify the people; hidden virtue
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to secretly pacify or stabilize (the people)
literaryLiterary term describing ancient rulers or virtuous individuals who care for the masses without seeking public recognition. Often used in historical or classical contexts.
Ancient sages often secretly pacified the common people without seeking fame in the world.
Those in government should cherish secretly caring for the people, and must not allow the common folk to fall into misery.
noun
hidden virtue; secret merit
literaryRefers to good deeds performed without seeking recognition or reward, often with connotations of karma or divine retribution in traditional Chinese religious thought. Distinct from overt acts of charity.
He accumulated hidden virtue throughout his life, and his descendants enjoyed wealth and honor.
Traditional belief holds that those who accumulate hidden virtue, though they seek no human recognition, will surely be rewarded by Heaven.