This entry explains idiom “Xiang ru yi mo” from Zhuangzi ‑ Dazongshi. Originally about stranded fish, it now means supporting one another through adversity, differing from its original Daoist philosophical implication.
This original‑text excerpt from Zhuangzi ‑ Renjianshi features multiple fables. It explores perilous worldly‑political engagement, introduces “Mind‑Fasting”, and illustrates survival wisdom of “the usefulness of uselessness”.
Mencius outlines three state levies: fabric, grain and labor. Wise rulers impose only one and ease the rest. Dual levies cause starvation; all three tear families apart, embodying his light-tax, people-centered benevolent governance.
Mencius draws a parallel: ample wealth safeguards people through famines, while abundant inner virtue shields one from moral confusion amid chaotic, corrupt eras, highlighting spiritual cultivation as humanity’s lasting anchor.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 患难与共Pinyin: huàn nàn yǔ gòngLiteral Meaning: Share hardships and misfortunes together.Figurative Meaning: Stand side by side through all troubles, disasters and difficult times, bearing hardships jointly with another person or group. Cultural Background This idiom embodies the virtue of loyal companionship in Chinese culture. Its source sentence creates a sharp…
There was a merchant named Xu in Jiaozhou. One day his boat was caught in a big storm at sea and he lost control of it. When the storm died down, he opened his eyes and found himself in a jungle valley. He wished he could encounter some people there, so he took a…
Strange Tales from Liaozhai: Prince of the Sea (Hai Gongzi) by Pu Songling narrates a tale of seduction, adventure, and survival set on the mythical Guji Island.
The story “Wild Dogs” from Strange Tales from Liaozhai is set against the backdrop of a rebellion led by Yu Qi in Qixia County, Shandong Province.