A minister of Jin advised: "In times of safety, think of danger. If you think of danger, you will prepare. If you prepare, there will be no calamity."
The phrase "居安思危" (in peace, think of danger) became the standard Chinese expression for strategic foresight — the ability to use calm periods to prepare for storms.
居安思危，思则有备，有备无患。
居安思危，思则有备，有备无患。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
The roof is repaired in sunshine, not in rain. The army is trained in peace, not in battle. The time to prepare is before you need to.
This advice was given during a period of peace — precisely when it was most needed and most likely to be ignored. The minister understood that peace is the most dangerous time, because it breeds complacency. The prepared kingdom is safe; the complacent kingdom is already in peril.