-
Sì Tǐ Bù Qín, Wǔ Gǔ Bù Fēn (四体不勤，五谷不分)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 四体不勤，五谷不分Pinyin: sì tǐ bù qín, wǔ gǔ bù fēnLiteral Meaning: One does not work with one’s four limbs, and cannot tell the five staple grains apart.Figurative Meaning: A person who lives in comfort, never engages in manual labor, and lacks basic knowledge of farming and everyday practical life. It criticizes…
-
The Old Man with the Hoe [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
A Daoist hermit with a hoe reproaches Zigong for lacking farming skills. Though warm and hospitable, he shuns political pursuits. Confucius deems him a hidden sage, yet the hermit vanishes to avoid further contact with Confucian followers.
-
The Gatekeeper of Shimen [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
A reclusive Lu gatekeeper mocks Confucius via Zigong, calling him one who knows reform is hopeless yet still strives. The line reveals the core divide: Daoist detachment versus Confucian persistent moral devotion, and the guard was admired for his sharp insight.
-
The Man with the Straw Basket [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
An anonymous Wei hermit carrying a straw basket hears Confucius playing stone chimes. He detects Confucius’ worldly frustration and advises flexible withdrawal via a poetic metaphor. Confucius acknowledges the resolute Daoist wisdom of going with natural tides.
-
Rong Qiqi [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Poor hermit Rong Qiqi plays zither and sings at Mount Tai. Asked by Confucius why he rejoices, he names three blessings: being human, male and long-lived. He accepts poverty and death as natural, embodying Daoist contentment with simple existence.