jū居dwellān安peacesī思thinkwēi危danger
In peace, think of danger — stay alert even when things are going well.
Literal meaning
dwell (居) — peace (安) — think (思) — danger (危)
Origin
Zuo Zhuan (《左传·襄公十一年》): 居安思危，思则有备，有备无患 — "In peace, think of danger; thinking brings preparation; preparation removes calamity." A core principle in Chinese statecraft tradition.
Examples
Chéng成gōng功de的shí时hou候gèng更yào要jū居ān安sī思wēi危。
Especially when you're succeeding, stay alert to risk.
Jū居ān安sī思wēi危shì是qǐ企yè业shēng生cún存de的guān关jiàn键。
Staying alert in good times is key to a company's survival.
Usage & nuances
Slightly formal. Common in leadership writing, strategic planning, and political commentary.
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