Ziyu (Zi Yu) introduced Confucius to the Grand Minister of Song. After Confucius left, Ziyu went inside and asked about the guest. The minister said: “Now that I have met Confucius, you seem as tiny as fleas and lice to me. I shall present him to our lord.”
Fearing that Confucius would win high favor from the ruler, Ziyu said to the minister: “Once our lord meets Confucius, he will also regard you as insignificant as fleas and lice.” Consequently, the minister gave up the plan to recommend Confucius.
Note
This passage is from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I).
The story illustrates that vanity and jealousy can make officials reject virtuous and talented people, out of fear of losing their own position and prestige.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher. He uses this story to expose selfishness and jealousy among officials.
Confucius
Confucius, great ancient Chinese thinker and educator, renowned for profound wisdom and moral cultivation.
Ziyu (Zi Yu)
A minor official of Song, consumed by jealousy.
Grand Minister of Song
Senior official of the State of Song, who was swayed by others’ words out of vanity.
Official Recommendation System
In ancient China, senior officials often recommended talented people to the monarch, an important channel for talent selection.
Flea-and-Lice Metaphor
A sharp comparison to describe being dwarfed by another person’s excellence.
Jealousy in Officialdom
A common political phenomenon: mediocre officials fear outstanding talents will overshadow themselves and undermine their status.
子圉見孔子於商太宰，孔子出，子圉入，請問客，太宰曰：「吾已見孔子，則視子猶蚤蝨之細者也。吾今見之於君。」子圉恐孔子貴於君也，因謂太宰曰：「君已見孔子，亦將視子猶蚤蝨也。」太宰因弗復見也。
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