To learn from others' strengths to offset one's own weaknesses; to combine the advantages of different things to compensate for their shortcomings; to complement each other.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Warring States period, when Duke Wen of Teng was traveling from the State of Chu and passed through the State of Song, he met Mencius.
Mencius expounded on the inherent goodness of human nature, encouraging the Duke to govern his state according to the benevolent principles of legendary sage-kings Yao and Shun. He also advised the Duke to 'take strengths and compensate for weaknesses,' urging him to leverage the regional advantages of Teng and govern with benevolence, which could enable Teng to become a strong state.
Duke Wen of Teng listened to Mencius's discourse but did not explicitly agree or disagree, merely responding with a smile.