Original article: 郢書燕說
The idiom “Interpreting Ying’s Writings as Yan’s Words” originates from Han Feizi, specifically in Outer Congeries of Sayings, Upper Left. It refers to an incident where a mistakenly written letter from Chu led the prime minister of Yan to misunderstand the letter’s true meaning. After interpreting it subjectively, the minister advised the King of Yan to recruit talented individuals, ultimately leading to effective governance in Yan. Later, people used this idiom to describe situations where one achieves success despite a flawed understanding of the truth, cautioning that although the outcome may be favorable, it lacks the solidity to serve as a guiding principle.
"Ying," the capital of the State of Chu during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, was located in present-day Jiangling County, Hubei. One evening, a man from Ying was carefully writing a letter to the prime minister of the State of Yan. However, finding the candlelight dim, he instructed his servant, “Raise the candle!” to have the light held higher so that he could see his writing more clearly. Unintentionally, he wrote the words “Raise the candle” into the letter before sending it off.
When the Yan prime minister received the letter, he was puzzled by the words “Raise the candle.” After much thought, he interpreted it as a metaphor: raising the candle must symbolize enlightenment, suggesting that he should govern with clarity and integrity by recruiting talented individuals. Acting on this interpretation, the prime minister advised the King of Yan to gather wise advisors, to which the king readily agreed. As a result, Yan flourished under the guidance of many virtuous officials, leading to a period of prosperity and effective governance.
Han Feizi, who authored this parable, held philosophical views distinct from those of the Confucian and Mohist schools. As a representative of the Legalist school during the pre-Qin period, he offered a unique perspective in a time known for the “Hundred Schools of Thought,” where various thinkers contributed diverse theories and approaches on matters of state, society, and the individual. This period of intellectual exchange ultimately enriched and established a multifaceted foundation for Chinese culture.
Han Feizi believed that "different times call for different approaches." He rejected the notion that ideals belong only to a glorious past, opposing the Confucian and Mohist reverence for ancient standards, which emphasized following the wisdom of past kings. For instance, Confucianism extolled the virtues of Emperor Yao, Emperor Shun, and the three dynasties’ enlightened rule, while Mohism sought to emulate the spirit of the great Yu. In contrast, Han Feizi’s fable of “Interpreting Ying’s Writings as Yan’s Words” served as a critique of scholars who twisted ideas to fit preconceived notions. He argued against using isolated, accidental successes as reliable methods to achieve one’s goals, much like his famous fable of “Waiting by the Stump for a Hare.” Such success through coincidence, he warned, should not be mistaken for an enduring principle. Han Feizi advocated for a system of governance rooted in the concept of “rule by law,” emphasizing the need for clear laws, efficient use of authority, and practical methods rather than relying on ideals of “rule by men” or “rule by virtue.”
Thus, the prosperity of the State of Yan wasn’t necessarily due to the accidental inclusion of the words “raise the candle” in the letter. At its core, the true source of Yan’s success lay in the collective dedication across all levels of the state, united in the pursuit of progress.
- Unverified statements often lead us to misinterpretations akin to "interpreting Ying’s writings as Yan’s words," where we fall into the trap of forced connections.
- Regarding hearsay, we should avoid “interpreting Ying’s writings as Yan’s words.”
- The lesson from "interpreting Ying’s writings as Yan’s words" teaches us that distorting the original meaning to achieve success does not imply that we have grasped the correct approach.
Written by Bubu
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