Taking a path aimed at gaining fame and recognition, like a “shortcut to Mount Zhongnan,” may indeed bring some public acclaim or personal gain. However, such a route lacks genuine sincerity and true ability. When the motives and goals are misaligned, this path ultimately proves unsustainable. True success cannot be achieved through shortcuts; one must remember that there is no authentic shortcut to a fulfilling life.
During the pre-Qin period, numerous schools of thought emerged, each focusing on different aspects of statecraft and society. Han Feizi, a prominent philosopher of the Warring States period, disagreed with the Confucian and Mohist ideas of his time. In his work “Interpreting Ying’s Writings as Yan’s Words,” he criticized an approach to scholarship that forces connections where none truly exist. Through his analysis, he highlighted the dangers of baseless interpretations, satirizing how random successes in understanding are often mistaken for principles to live by, even though they may lack universal value.
The example of "adding firewood to extinguish the fire" has been prevalent since ancient times. Especially during the Warring States period, incessant warfare and annexation among states led to dire living conditions for the populace. The fragmented vassal states either formed alliances to avoid attacks or initiated wars to plunder neighboring territories. This resulted in some defeated states resorting to ceding land and seeking peace, yet such a strategy of "adding firewood to extinguish the fire" ultimately led them on a path to demise.
"Uncooked millet yet, a lifetime dream spent" is used to metaphorically depict everything experienced in the real world, ultimately fading away like a fleeting dream. In life, we often believe we possess many things, but when facing the end of life, do we similarly lament that life is like "Uncooked millet yet, a lifetime dream spent"?
Yelang was located within the present-day Guizhou province and was isolated due to formidable mountains, hindering external communication. This isolation led the locals to be unaware of the vast territory of the Han Dynasty, resulting in the expression "Yelang thinks too highly of itself" to describe shallow knowledge and arrogance.
"Birds can be caught by a net at the door" is used to describe the situation when those in power or in official positions face neglect from others after losing their authority. Later, it is also commonly used to depict the scenario of businesspeople facing a lack of customers due to poor business or a deserted establishment.
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Sun Jing and the Warring States Period's Su Qin, two individuals, employed rigorous self-discipline and unwavering commitment to their studies. Their remarkable achievements, combined and condensed by later generations, gave rise to the idiom "Hang from a Beam and Stab the Thigh." This idiom vividly describes the arduous journey of one's fervent dedication to learning. While the methods employed by Sun Jing and Su Qin may not be prevalent in today's society, we believe that individuals who share the same spirit of self-motivation and strive for self-improvement in various ways can achieve a wide range of accomplishments.
The idiom "three men make a tiger" originated from the historical records of "Strategies of the Warring States." It stems from the time when King Hui of Wei sent his crown prince as a "hostage" to the state of Zhao, accompanied by the prominent minister Pang Cong. Pang Cong, fearing that he might be falsely accused by political rivals after his departure, met with king of Wei before leaving. He used the story of "three men make a tiger" as an analogy, hoping that the king would not be swayed by rumors and would maintain his trust in him.
The well-known idiom "a cunning rabbit has three burrows" originates from the story of Feng Xuan, a retainer of Lord Mengchang of the Qi state during the Warring States period. Feng Xuan helped Lord Mengchang create three secure locations, allowing him to navigate the complexities of the era and achieve a prosperous and safe life. This idiom is often used to describe someone who plans carefully and thinks ahead.
Cao Gui discusses warfare, saying, “the key to victory in battle lies in the spirit of courage and morale: at the first drumbeat the Qi soldiers’ spirits were raised. On the second time, their spirits declined. Finally, on the third time, their spirits had been exhausted. Their spirits were exhausted while those of our soldiers' still brimmed. Consequently we defeated them.” Originally, it referred to ancient battles, where the first drumbeat was the most invigorating for soldiers' morale. Later, it was used metaphorically to emphasize the importance of seizing the right moment and using the initial burst of energy to achieve success in endeavors.
