移風易俗

First attested in 237 BCE, in Li Si's Jianzhuke Shu.

孝公用商鞅之法，移風易俗，民以殷盛，國以富彊，百姓樂用，諸侯親服，獲楚、魏之師，舉地千里，至今治彊。 [Literary Chinese, trad.]

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孝公用商鞅之法，移风易俗，民以殷盛，国以富强，百姓乐用，诸侯亲服，获楚、魏之师，举地千里，至今治强。 [Literary Chinese, simp.]

From: 237 B.C.E., 李斯,《諫逐客書》

Xiàogōng yòng Shāng Yāng zhī fǎ, yí fēng yì sú, mín yǐ yīnshèng, guó yǐ fùqiáng, bǎixìng lèyòng, zhūhóu qīnfú, huò Chǔ, Wèi zhī shī, jǔ dì qiānlǐ, zhìjīn zhì qiáng. [Pinyin]

Duke Xiao, by adopting Shang Yang's new policy, broke with old customs and built up new ones, and then his population flourished, his state became powerful, and his people were willing to obey oders. Thus, he won obedience and submission from other major feudal lords. He went on to capture the troops of Chu and those of Wei, enlarging the territory by a thousand li. Up to now, his state has remained stable and strong.

移風易俗

1. to change prevailing habits and customs; to transform social traditions