Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter32.9 expounds human self‑interest via diverse anecdotes. It mocks rigid literalism and blind copying, stressing practical reality over mechanical adherence to ancient texts.
This entry explains idiom “Han dan xue bu” from Zhuangzi ‑ Autumn Floods. It warns against blind imitation: one fails to copy others’ strengths and loses one’s own original skills and identity in the process.
This entry explains idiom “Dong Shi xiao pin” originating from Zhuangzi ‑ Tianyun. It describes foolish blind imitation of outward forms without grasping inner essence, which brings ridiculous, counter‑productive results.