求同存异 seek common ground while reserving differences
Explanation
指在处理问题时，既要找到大家共同的地方，也要保留不同意见，互相理解，共同发展。
Refers to handling problems, finding common ground and reserving different opinions, understanding each other, and developing together.
Origin Story
从前，在一个小山村里，住着两个家族，他们世代居住在这里，彼此之间却因为一些鸡毛蒜皮的小事发生过许多冲突。为了村子的和谐，村长决定召集两个家族的族长进行一次会谈。会上，族长们互相指责，气氛一度十分紧张。这时，一位德高望重的老人站出来说："我们不能只看到彼此的不同，而应该先寻找共同点。"老人建议他们从共同的祖先、共同的地域、共同的愿望等方面入手，寻找他们之间共同之处。渐渐地，族长们都冷静下来，开始认真思考。他们发现，原来他们有着共同的祖先，共同的信仰，以及共同的愿望——那就是让子孙后代在这个村子里平安地生活下去。他们开始放下成见，互相理解，最终达成了共识：他们要共同努力，建设家园，为后代留下更好的生活环境。从此以后，这两个家族再也没有发生过大的冲突，他们学会了求同存异，共同创造了村子美好的未来。
Once upon a time, in a small mountain village, there lived two families. They had lived there for generations, but many conflicts had occurred between them because of some trivial matters. In order to maintain the harmony of the village, the village head decided to convene a meeting of the heads of the two families. At the meeting, the heads accused each other, and the atmosphere became tense. At this moment, an elder of high moral standing stood up and said, "We should not only see our differences, but first look for common ground." He suggested they start by looking for common ground based on their common ancestors, common region, and common aspirations. Gradually, the heads calmed down and began to think seriously. They found that they had common ancestors, common beliefs, and a common aspiration—that is, to allow their descendants to live peacefully in this village. They began to let go of their prejudices and understand each other, finally reaching a consensus: They would work together to build their homes and leave a better living environment for future generations. From then on, the two families no longer had major conflicts, they learned to seek common ground while reserving differences, and jointly created a brighter future for the village.
Usage
用于处理人际关系、团队合作、民族矛盾等方面，强调互相理解、共同发展。
Used in handling interpersonal relationships, team cooperation, ethnic conflicts, etc., emphasizing mutual understanding and common development.
Examples
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会议上，大家求同存异，最终达成了共识。
huiyi shang, da jia qiu tong cun yi, zui zhong da cheng le gongshi.
At the meeting, everyone sought common ground while reserving differences, and finally reached a consensus.
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处理民族关系，要坚持求同存异的原则。
chuli minzu guanxi, yao jianchi qiu tong cun yi de yuanze。
In dealing with ethnic relations, we must adhere to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences.