[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Society-and-Culture \ #Character-Traits # 志 zhì ambition; the will ## Components [[土 tǔ]] [[土 (tǔ)]] [[心 xīn]] [[心 (xīn)]] ## Meaning Today, "志" generally refers to "aspiration" or "ambition." It signifies one's determined intent or resolve towards achieving a particular goal. It can also refer to one's willpower, ambition, or strong desire to accomplish something. Additionally, "志" can indicate dedication, often seen in words like "心志" (xīn zhì), which means "determination" or "resolve." ## History "志" means "aspiration" or "ambition." In its ancient form, the character consisted of two parts: "心" (heart) and "之" (to). This combination expressed the idea that one's intentions lead them in a particular direction, reflecting the idea of having ambition or determination. The earliest meaning of "志" was related to one's will or ambition. For example, in the "Shuowen Jiezi," it's described as meaning "intention" or "ambition." In "Mencius," it's stated, "Will is the commander of the mind." In modern usage, "志" generally refers to one's ambition, intention, or aspiration. For example, "墓志铭" (mù zhì mínɡ) refers to an epitaph, expressing the feelings or aspirations of the deceased. This character is also used to describe a genre of literature, as in "心志" (xīn zhì), meaning "mindset" or "will." For instance, in "The Analects of Confucius," it says, "At fifteen, I set my heart on learning." This reflects the idea of setting one's aspirations or determination towards a goal. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ? ### Bronze Script ? ### Seal Script ![[志 zhì - sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[志 zhì - cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[志 zhì - reg.svg]]