These four characters combine literally and powerfully to mean “to abandon oneself for other people.” The structure is simple and direct, creating a clear picture of putting the needs of others completely before one's own.
舍己为人 is more than just a phrase; it's a cornerstone of traditional and modern Chinese morality. It reflects a collectivist mindset where the well-being of the group, community, or nation is often prioritized over the individual's desires. Historically, this ideal was promoted through Confucian values, emphasizing social duty and responsibility. In modern China, the “spirit of 舍己为人” is often celebrated in state media and education to praise heroes like firefighters, doctors fighting an epidemic, or soldiers. The famous soldier Lei Feng (雷锋) is a national icon whose life story is taught as a model of 舍己为人. Comparison to Western Culture: While the West has the concept of “altruism” or “self-sacrifice,” 舍己为人 carries a heavier weight and a stronger sense of social duty. In many individualistic Western cultures, extreme self-sacrifice is often seen as a personal choice, a noble but not necessarily expected act. In contrast, 舍己为人 is held up as a paramount public virtue in China, an ideal that citizens, especially those in positions of responsibility, should strive for. It's less about personal charity and more about fulfilling a fundamental moral obligation to society.
This is a very formal and laudatory (praise-filled) idiom. You would not use it to describe everyday, minor acts of kindness. Doing so would sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic.