Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 愚公移山Pinyin: yú gōng yí shānLiteral Meaning: The Foolish Old Man removes mountains.Figurative Meaning: To overcome immense difficulties with unyielding perseverance, diligence and firm belief that human efforts can triumph over natural obstacles. Cultural Background This famous fable is a classic in traditional Chinese culture. It advocates persistence, dedication and the…
Wang Xizhi had practiced calligraphy with a brush at home for three years. Seeing that his calligraphy still fell short of mastery, he began to wonder: “Everyone says I’m clever. I’ve worked hard for three years, yet my calligraphy isn’t up to par. It must be either because my teacher wasn’t skilled enough or…
– by Lie Yukou (Liezi) Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu spanned seven hundred li in area and rose ten thousand ‘ren’ high. Originally, they stood south of Jizhou and north of Heyang. To the north of these mountains lived an old man known as “Foolish Old Man of the North Mountain.” He was nearly…
While in Wei, Confucius was playing the qing (a stone chime). A reclusive passerby carrying a straw basket happened to walk by Confucius’s gate and said upon hearing the sound, “Ah! There is intention behind this chime!”After a moment, he added, “How narrow-minded! So obstinately persistent! If no one understands you, just let it…
Zilu asked about governance. The Master said, “Lead by example, and then ask the people to work hard.”Zilu asked for more guidance. The Master said, “Never grow weary.”
Zi Zhang asked about governance. The Master said, “Be tireless in holding your position, and carry out your duties with loyalty.”
Confucius said, “Only when the year turns cold do we know that the pine and cypress are the last to shed their leaves.”