In the state of Chu lived a man who did not know where ginger grew.
He thought it grew on trees. Someone told him it grew in the ground.
He could not believe this was true, and said, “I will lay a bet with you with my donkey. Let us ask ten people; if they all say it grows in the ground, the donkey is yours!”
They asked ten men who all said that it grew in the ground.
“Take the donkey!” said the man. “But, all the same, I know ginger grows on trees!”
Allegorical Meaning
This fable satirizes willful ignorance through a man who insists ginger grows on trees (despite knowing it’s a root crop).
Pride over Truth
The man’s refusal to accept evidence (even after losing his donkey) satirizes those who cling to false beliefs to avoid admitting error. His final line — “The donkey is yours, but ginger still grows on trees!” — reveals how ego can override logic.
Social Proof’s Limits
Though 10 witnesses confirm the truth, their collective wisdom fails to enlighten him. This critiques societies where facts lose to stubborn individualism, akin to modern “post-truth” defiance of consensus.
Cost of Delusion
His donkey (a practical asset) is sacrificed for a fantasy. The story warns: irrationality has tangible consequences, yet some double down rather than adapt. He chooses delusion even when truth is free.
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