和而不同(hé’érbùtónɡ)

在尊重事物差异性和多样性的基础上实现整体的和谐共存。“同”与“和”是对待、安顿社会群体的两种态度。“同”指对事物差异性的抹杀，“和”则意味着对事物差异性的保存与尊重。不同的事物彼此间相互辅助、补充，才能组成一个充满生机、富于创造性的和谐整体。

Harmony But Not Uniformity

The term means achieving overall harmonious co-existence on the basis of respecting differences and diversity. Uniformity and harmony are two different attitudes to treating and accommodating social groups. Uniformity means obliterating differences in everything while harmony is to keep and respect the differences. Allowing different things to complement and supplement each other will create a harmonious whole full of vitality and creativity.

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【引例】

夫和实生物，同则不继。(《国语•郑语》)

君子和而不同，小人同而不和。(《论语•子路》)

Harmony begets new things; while uniformity does not lead to continuation. (Discourses on Governance of the States)

A man of virtue pursues harmony but does not seek uniformity; a petty man seeks uniformity but does not pursue harmony. (The Analects)