SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Yuǎn Shuǐ Bù Jiù Jìn Huǒ (远水不救近火)

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    Ana

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 远水不救近火 or 远水救不了近火Pinyin: yuǎn shuǐ bù jiù jìn huǒLiteral Meaning: Water from afar cannot put out a nearby fire.Figurative Meaning: Slow or distant help is useless for an urgent crisis at hand. Cultural Background This ancient idiom uses a plain yet vivid daily metaphor. It reminds people to solve immediate…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.19

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Li Chu warned Duke Mu: distant allies Jin and Chu can’t help Lu against nearby Qi. Distant water fails near fires.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.18

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Hui Zi used analogy: Tian Si’s deception is innate, like blindness. The Lord of Zou spared him.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.17

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells a guard ate the immortality elixir. He used logic to argue innocence and expose fraud, saving his life.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.16

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Guan Zhong followed an old horse and Xi Peng found water via ants. Wise men learn from nature and experience.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 22.15

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    Juan

    Han Feizi tells Shao Jimei linked losing his coat to overdrinking. Habitual indulgence ruins both individuals and rulers.