Basic Information
Chinese Idiom: 智者千虑，必有一失
Pinyin: zhì zhě qiān lǜ, bì yǒu yī shī
Literal Meaning: Even a wise person who thinks a thousand times will make at least one mistake.
Figurative Meaning: No one is flawless. Even the wisest people may commit errors despite careful consideration.
Cultural Background
This is a time-honored philosophical saying from ancient China. It conveys a humble and rational outlook: wisdom cannot eliminate all mistakes, and everyone has limitations. Its complementary line “A fool who thinks a thousand times will also gain something valuable” further stresses that nobody is utterly incompetent. The idiom is widely used to comfort others after mistakes, remind people to stay modest, or warn against overconfidence.
Origin & Translation
This saying comes from Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian, in a chapter about the famous general Han Xin and his adviser Li Zuoju.
After Han Xin captured the state of Zhao, he asked Li Zuoju for advice on how to conquer the state of Yan.
Lord Guangwu said: “I have heard that even a wise man, after countless deliberations, is bound to make a mistake; even a foolish man, after countless thoughts, will occasionally hit upon a good idea.”
— From Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Marquis of Huaiyin
He then explained that even though Han Xin had won great victories, his army was exhausted. Instead of attacking Yan directly, Li Zuoju suggested a political strategy – sending envoys to persuade Yan to surrender. Han Xin followed the advice and succeeded.
Usage
Neutral tone. It is commonly used to remind people to remain modest, forgive others’ occasional faults, and avoid blind self-complacency.
Equivalent English expressions
- Even Homer sometimes nods.
- No one is infallible.
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