by Han Fei
Guan Zhong and Xi Peng followed Duke Huan of Qi on a campaign against Guzhu.
They set out in spring and returned in winter, losing their way in confusion.
Guan Zhong said: “The wisdom of old horses can be used.”
So they let an old horse go and followed it, and thus found the road.
As they traveled in the mountains, there was no water.
Xi Peng said: “Ants live on the sunny side of mountains in winter and on the shady side in summer. Where the ant-hill is one inch high above ground, there will be water eight feet below.”
They dug the earth accordingly and found water.
For all the wisdom of Guan Zhong and the cleverness of Xi Peng, when they encountered what they did not know, they did not hesitate to learn from old horses and ants.
Nowadays people, foolish as they are, do not wish to learn from the wisdom of sages — is this not a great error?
Note
Guan Zhong
A famous statesman and reformer of the State of Qi, who helped Duke Huan of Qi become the first hegemon of the Spring and Autumn Period.
Xi Peng
A loyal and intelligent minister of Qi, known for his careful observation and practical wisdom.
Duke Huan of Qi
One of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, a powerful ruler of ancient China.
Guzhu
An ancient northern tribal state that was conquered by the State of Qi.
A leading Legalist philosopher in the Warring States Period, famous for using fables to teach political and life lessons.
Respect for experience and nature
Traditional Chinese culture values experience accumulated over time and learning from natural phenomena.
Humility in learning
The story emphasizes that even wise people should stay modest and learn from small things and natural beings.
Military expeditions in ancient China
Long-distance campaigns often led to disorientation, requiring resourcefulness from ministers.
老马识途 – Old horses know the way
This idiom means:
- People with rich experience are familiar with situations and can guide others.
- Experience is a valuable form of wisdom.
- We should learn from the experienced and observe nature to solve problems.
管仲、隰朋从于桓公而伐孤竹，春往冬返，迷惑失道。管仲曰：”老马之智可用也。”乃放老马而随之，遂得道。行山中无水，隰朋曰：”蚁冬居山之阳，夏居山之阴。蚁壤一寸而仞有水。”乃掘地，遂得水。以管仲之圣而隰朋之智，至其所不知，不难师于老马与蚁。今人不知以其愚心而师圣人之智，不亦过乎？
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