cầu hiền

Definition

Verb phrase (archaic):
- To seek out and recruit virtuous and talented individuals: Refers to the act of a ruler or state actively searching for and inviting people of outstanding ability and moral character to serve in government or contribute to national development.
- To value and pursue talent: Emphasizes the importance placed on talent and the proactive effort to enlist it for a greater cause, traditionally for the benefit of the country.

Usage Examples

Verb phrase:
- Các bậc minh quân thường cầu hiền để phát triển đất nước. (Enlightened monarchs often sought men of great talent to develop the country.)
- Chính sách cầu hiền là một nét đẹp trong văn hóa trị quốc của người xưa. (The policy of seeking talent was a beautiful aspect in the ancient culture of state governance.)

Advanced Usage

"cầu hiền đãi sĩ": A four-character idiom meaning "to seek the virtuous and treat scholars with respect," describing a comprehensive policy of valuing and honoring intellectual talent.
- Triều đại đó nổi tiếng với chính sách cầu hiền đãi sĩ. (That dynasty was famous for its policy of seeking the virtuous and honoring scholars.)

Variants and Related Words

Trọng dụng nhân tài (verb phrase): To value and put talented people to good use. This is a more modern equivalent.
- Công ty luôn trọng dụng nhân tài. (The company always values and utilizes talent.)
Chiêu hiền đãi sĩ (idiom): To recruit the virtuous and treat scholars courteously; very similar in meaning to "cầu hiền."

Synonyms

Related Idioms

"Cầu hiền như cầu tài": (Seeking the virtuous is like seeking wealth.) An idiom emphasizing the high value placed on virtuous talent, comparable to material wealth.
"Hiền tài là nguyên khí quốc gia": (Virtuous talent is the vital spirit of the nation.) A famous proverb stating that a nation's strength lies in its talented and virtuous people, closely related to the concept behind "cầu hiền."