perspective

  • 太仓一粟 (Tài cāng yī sù)

    This entry explains idiom “Tai cang yi su” originating from Zhuangzi ‑ Autumn Floods. It compares something to one grain in a huge granary, signifying extreme insignificance against the vast whole and inspiring humility.

  • Chapter 17: Autumn Floods (Qiu Shui)

    This Zhuangzi ‑ Qiushui (Autumn Floods) excerpt uses He Bo and Sea God’s dialogue to teach relativism of size and values. It includes well‑known parables like the well‑frog and the fish‑joy debate, urging humility and natural spontaneity.

  • Seven-Syllable Octave – Reply to Mr. Liu Yazi [Mao’s Poems]

    –Mao Zedong, April, 1949 Tea talks in Canton still fresh in my mind,Verses sought in Chongqing when leaves declined.Thirty-one years back to our native land,When flowers fall I read your writing grand.Beware too much grief that tears your frame;See all things wide with a long, calm aim.Do not say Kunming Lake’s waters are thin;Watching…