反躬自省 self-reflection
Explanation
反躬自省指回头检查自己的言行得失。
Self-reflection means to review one's own words and deeds and their consequences.
Origin Story
话说唐朝有个叫张翰的官员，因思念家乡的鲈鱼和莼菜，毅然辞官回乡。这看似任性的举动，实则体现了张翰的自我反思。在繁华的长安，他感受到了官场倾轧的压力，也察觉到自己对功名利禄的追逐，渐渐迷失了本心。因此，他选择离开，反躬自省，寻找内心的宁静。这便是“莼羹鲈脍”典故的另一种解读，张翰并非仅仅为了美食，更是为了追寻自我，实现精神上的归属。回乡后，张翰潜心修养，致力于农桑，过着清贫但充实的生活。他并没有因为放弃仕途而后悔，反而在田园生活中找到了真正的快乐。他的故事告诉我们，无论处于何种境地，都应定期反躬自省，审视自身，才能走得更远。
In the Tang Dynasty, there was an official named Zhang Han. He resigned from his post and returned home because he missed the mandarin fish and water shield. This seemingly capricious act actually reflects Zhang Han's self-reflection. In the bustling Chang'an, he felt the pressure of the official circles and realized that his pursuit of fame and fortune had gradually led him away from his true self. Therefore, he chose to leave, reflect on himself, and seek inner peace. This is another interpretation of the allusion “Chun soup and mandarin fish”, Zhang Han did not do it just for good food, but also to find himself and achieve spiritual belonging. After returning home, Zhang Han devoted himself to self-cultivation and agriculture, and lived a poor but fulfilling life. He did not regret giving up his official career, but instead found real happiness in rural life. His story tells us that no matter what situation we are in, we should regularly reflect on ourselves and examine ourselves, so that we can go further.
Usage
用于劝诫自己或他人要经常检查自己的言行，避免犯错。
It is used to admonish oneself or others to frequently check one's own words and deeds to avoid mistakes.
Examples
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每逢重大决策前，他总要反躬自省一番。
mei feng zhongda juece qian, ta zong yao fǎn gōng zì xǐng yi fan.
Before every major decision, he always takes time for self-reflection.
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这次失败，我们应该反躬自省，找出原因。
zhe ci shibai, women yinggai fǎn gōng zì xǐng, zhaochu yuanyin
After this failure, we should reflect on ourselves and find out the reasons..