A native of the state of Chu decided to sell some pearl in the state of Zheng.
He had a casket made of rare wood, scented it with spices, inlaid it with jade and other precious jewels, and wrapped it in kingfishers’ plumage. The result was that a men of Zheng bought the casket, but returned the pearl inside.
This fellow may be considered a skilled casket seller, but deserves no credit at all as a seller of pearls.
Allegorical Meaning
This fable illustrates a classic case of valuing appearance over substance. The buyer was so mesmerized by the ornate packaging that he failed to recognize the real treasure — the jade itself. The story serves as a critique of people who judge things solely based on their outward appearance or superficial charm, while neglecting the deeper, more meaningful content or value.
It also reflects on the importance of discernment and wisdom. In life, many things may appear attractive on the surface, but without the ability to see beyond appearances, one may miss what is truly valuable.
Moreover, the tale subtly criticizes those who focus too much on form rather than function, style over substance, or decoration instead of content — a problem still relevant in modern society, especially in areas like marketing, politics, and media.
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