贤主愈大愈惧,愈强愈恐。

xián zhǔ yù dà yù jù, yù qiáng yù kǒng.

今日拾句2026年10月28日/《吕氏春秋·慎大》/吕不韦及其门客(杂家)

释义Explanation

贤明的君主,国土越广越忧惧,国力越强越惶恐。这并非软弱,而是清醒:强大容易招致忌恨、懈怠与外部风险。因此,真正的领导者越居高位,越要谦逊谨慎、居安思危。这种“恐惧”不是畏缩,而是对权力与成功保持敬畏,防止因自满而衰败。成就越大,越需自我审视、防微杜渐。

A wise ruler feels more apprehension as his state grows larger, and more dread as his power becomes stronger. Such fear is not weakness but clear-sightedness: strength can breed resentment, complacency, and hidden dangers. Therefore, true leaders remain humble and vigilant at the height of success. The quote warns that the greater one’s achievements, the more one should reflect on potential risks and guard against decline.

使用场景Usage

在现代企业管理中,当一家公司成为行业龙头,领导者常引用此句提醒团队:成绩越大,越要警惕市场变化、技术颠覆和内部惰性。例如某科技公司登顶后,不应高调炫耀,而应加大研发、倾听用户批评、敬畏监管与竞争。这种“愈强愈恐”的心态,反而能帮助企业行稳致远。

In modern business, when a company becomes an industry leader, this quote reminds its team that greater success demands greater vigilance. For instance, a top tech firm should not flaunt its dominance but instead increase R&D, welcome criticism, and respect competitors. Such 'fear' at the peak helps secure long-term resilience.