为善最乐 — “To find the greatest joy in doing good deeds”
为善最乐 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to find the greatest joy in doing good deeds”. Doing good brings the greatest happiness. Literally, “Doing good is the greatest joy”.
为善最乐 Pronunciation and Pinyin
为善最乐 Character Breakdown
Stroke OrderExample Sentence with 为善最乐
Origin and Story of 为善最乐
Liu Cang, a son of Emperor Guangwu (Liu Xiu), was granted the title of Duke of Dongping in the 15th year of Jianwu and later promoted to king in the 17th year.
He was profoundly learned and talented, highly respected by Emperor Ming of Han, who would entrust him with the capital's administration whenever he went on imperial tours. Despite his high position, Liu Cang was free from the extravagant and dissolute habits typical of nobles. He showed great concern for the welfare of the populace and frequently advised Emperor Ming, contributing significantly to the "golden age" of the early Eastern Han Dynasty.
His profound integrity and sincere dealings with others led to an ever-growing reputation, which made him increasingly uneasy. He repeatedly requested to resign from his official duties and return to his fiefdom, the Kingdom of Dongping (present-day Dongping County, Shandong). Emperor Ming reluctantly granted his request after a long delay.
Even after returning to Dongping, Liu Cang continued to offer valuable insights on national affairs. Emperor Ming, concerned about his well-being, once asked him what brought him the most happiness at home. Liu Cang replied, " 为善最乐 " (Doing good brings the greatest joy).
Idioms Related to 为善最乐
Antonyms of 为善最乐
More idioms starting with 为
- wèi为cóng丛qū驱què雀alienate allies, benefit adversary
- wèi为wǔ五dǒu斗mǐ米zhé折yāo腰Humble oneself for a meager salary
- wéi为rén人wèi为chè彻help others thoroughly
- wèi为rén人zuò作jià嫁to work hard for others' benefit in vain
- wéi为rén人shī师biǎo表be an exemplary role model
- wéi为rén人kǎi楷mó模be a role model
- wèi为rén人shuō说xiàng项speak favorably for someone
- wéi为rén仁bù不fù富Benevolent people are not wealthy
- wèi为guó国wèi为mín民for the country and its people
- wèi为guó国juān捐qū躯die for one's country
- wéi为hǎo好chéng成qiàn歉good intentions met with resentment
- wéi为fù富bù不rén仁rich and heartless
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Open the tool →Questions about 为善最乐
What does 为善最乐 mean?
为善最乐 (wéi shàn zuì lè) is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to find the greatest joy in doing good deeds”.
How do you pronounce 为善最乐?
为善最乐 is pronounced wéi shàn zuì lè in Mandarin Chinese.
What does 为善最乐 literally mean?
Literally, 为善最乐 means “Doing good is the greatest joy”. It is used to mean “to find the greatest joy in doing good deeds”.
Where does 为善最乐 come from?
为善最乐 comes from a classical Chinese story dating back to ancient China. The full story is on this page.
What is the Chinese definition of 为善最乐?
做善事是最快乐的事。常用为劝人多行善事的格言。