殷忧启圣

重大忧患可开启并激发人的最高智慧。“殷”意为大，“殷忧启圣”常与“多难兴邦”连用，后者用于国家，前者用于个人。它提示人们，在客观境遇面前，人不是消极被动的，而是积极主动的。面对顺境，要随时保持忧患意识，深入思考；面对逆境，要发挥主观能动性，开启心智，乐观向上，这样才能最大限度地发挥人的才智或潜能，渡过难关。它强调的是人的主体意识和奋斗精神。

Great Hardship Fosters Great Wisdom

This expression often goes with the concept "adversities reinforce a nation's resilience". The latter depicts a nation while the former applies to an individual. Stating that trials and tribulations can open one's mind and stimulate the development of great wisdom, the expression reminds people to be proactive rather than reactive in the face of given circumstances. When things are favorable, one should be alert and prepared for potential risks. In the face of adversity, one should manage to open one's mind and be optimistic. Stressing subjective initiative and self-reliance, this mentality gives full play to one's talent or potential to tide over tough times.

引例

苟能忠信，虽弱必强。殷忧启圣，处危何苦？（《北齐书·文襄帝纪》）（人若能忠诚信实，即便一时弱小，终必成为强者。重大忧患可使人开启心智，因此，即便处于危难境地，又何必苦恼？）

A loyal and reliable person, though weak at first, will surely become powerful. Great hardships can open one's mind. So why worry even when one is in danger? (The History of the Northern Qi Dynasty)