He who wins the people wins; he who loses the people loses.
This is a phrase from Shi Ji (Records of the Historian) by Shima Qian (c. 145 or 135-? BC), a historian and writer of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 25).
The phrase has two meanings: One, the people's support determines the rise and fall of a state and a government. Only by winning the people's support can a ruler ensure a lasting state and government. Two, talent and capable people are vital to the rise and fall of a state and a government. Only by winning the support of talented and capable people can a ruler ensure a thriving state and government.
Appointing officials on their merits and placing them in suitable posts according to their abilities can help maintain state power and ensure lasting stability.
At a Seminar on Cyber Security and IT Application in April 2016, Xi Jinping said: China needs to bring together the best minds across the world and draw on their expertise to develop its cyber security and IT application programs. "He who wins the people wins; he who loses the people loses." He cited this ancient saying and pointed out that competition in cyber space is in essence competition of talent.
得人者兴，失人者崩
“得人者兴，失人者崩” ，出自《史记》，其含义有二：其一，民心、人心决定一个国家或政权的盛衰兴替。只有得到民心、顺应民心，才能保持国家或政权的兴盛不衰。其二，人才对国家、政权的兴盛与否起着至关重要的作用。也就是说，得到人心、获得人才就会兴旺，失掉人心、流失人才就会败亡；只有任人唯贤、知人善任，才能成就大业，保持国家和政权的长治久安。
2016年4月，习近平在网络安全和信息化工作座谈会上谈到，聚天下英才而用之，为网信事业发展提供有力人才支撑。他引用“得人者兴，失人者崩”，指出网络空间的竞争，归根结底是人才竞争。