Eels resemble snakes, and silkworms look like caterpillars. People grow terrified at the sight of snakes and bristle all over when seeing caterpillars. Yet fishermen catch eels with bare hands and housewives pick up silkworms. Where profit lies, ordinary people become as bold as ancient heroes Ben and Zhu.
Note
Natural fear can be overcome by the lure of gains; interests serve as a powerful driving force transforming people’s temperament and choices.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher, using this fable to elaborate the motivating effect of interests on human behaviors.
Ben & Zhu (Meng Ben, Zhuan Zhu)
Two famed ancient warrior-assassins renowned for extraordinary bravery in Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period individually, used as symbols of fearless courage.
- Meng Ben was a legendary warrior known for his superhuman strength during the Warring States period. His name became synonymous with brute strength in Chinese culture. According to historical accounts, he could pull live oxen by their tails and break bronze weapons with his bare hands. Famed for his courage and physical prowess, he was once an official of King Wu of Qin. In 307 BCE, King Wu of Qin exhausted his strength and died while lifting the red cauldron adorned with dragon patterns in Luoyang. Consequently, Meng Ben was found guilty and his entire clan was exterminated.
- Zhuan Zhu was a famous assassin in the Spring and Autumn period. He served Helü, then a prince of the State of Wu. At Helü’s request, Zhuan Zhu assassinated King Liao of Wu during a feast by hiding a dagger inside a roasted fish. The assassination succeeded, and Helü became the new king. Zhuan Zhu’s story is often cited as a classic example of a loyal, fearless retainer carrying out an assassination.
Symbol of instinctive fear
Snakes and caterpillars triggered innate human fright, a common natural psychological reaction.
Ancient sideline economy
Eel fishing and silkworm breeding were vital livelihood industries for common folk to earn profits.
Legalist viewpoint on human nature
Legalists believed human actions are largely driven by pursuit of benefit and avoidance of harm.
鱣似蛇，蠶似蠋。人見蛇則驚駭，見蠋則毛起。漁者持鱣，婦人拾蠶，利之所在，皆為賁、諸。
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