In the state of Chu lived a man who sold shields and spears.
“My shields are so strong,” he boasted, “that nothing can pierce them. My spears are so sharp there is nothing they cannot pierce.”
”What if one of your spears strikes one of your shields?” someone asked him.
The man had no answer to that.
Allegorical Meaning
A weapon seller boasts his spear can pierce any shield, then claims his shield blocks all spears—creating an irresolvable paradox when questioned about their interaction.
Logical Fallacy:
Exposes the danger of absolute claims that undermine each other under scrutiny.
Humility in Communication:
Warns against hyperbolic statements that collapse under their own logic.
Critical Thinking:
Encourages listeners to identify and challenge inconsistencies in arguments.
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