Han Feizi tells Shao Jimei linked losing his coat to overdrinking. Habitual indulgence ruins both individuals and rulers.
Basic Info Chinese Idiom: 闻鸡起舞Pinyin: wén jī qǐ wǔLiteral meaning: Rise to practice sword-dancing upon hearing roosters crow.Extended meaning: Ambitious people seize every moment to strive hard and temper themselves for lofty goals. Cultural Supplement This idiom comes from a famous inspirational historical story, Zu Ti’s Northern Expedition, in ancient China. It has always…
The Master said, “The noble person seeks from himself; the petty person seeks from others.”
While in Chen, Confucius and his followers ran out of food. His disciples fell ill from hunger and could not get up. Zilu, visibly angry, came to see him and asked, “Can even a noble person (junzi) fall into such desperate straits?”The Master replied, “The noble person steadfastly endures poverty; when the petty person…
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.”
When getting into a carriage, Confucius always stood upright and firmly grasped the mounting strap. While inside the carriage, he never looked back over his shoulder, did not speak loudly, and never pointed with his finger.