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Folly of the senses (wan2 wu4 sang4 zhi4)
By Zhang Ciyun |
October 25, 2009, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
While many Chinese people love hobbies, it is a cherished notion that it is best to distance one's self from any indulgence that interferes with one's career pursuits.
The principle is best expressed in a 3,000-year-old Chinese saying "wan2 wu4 sang4 zhi4" or "indulging in a hobby saps one's will."
The saying was coined by an aide to the first ruler of the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century-770 BC), which was established after the downfall of the Shang Dynasty (16th century-11th century BC).
The Shang Dynasty collapse was caused by the corruption of King Zhou, the last ruler of the regime.
Zhou was a notorious tyrant who indulged himself in material pleasures. He boasted a huge collection of precious stones, pearls and exotic plants, as well as rare birds and animals.
He squandered tons of treasury gold on the construction of grandiose palaces and gardens where he spent most of his time playing with his hundreds of concubines and maids of honor.
He was so preoccupied with trivial and sensual pursuits that he almost totally ignored his duties as the head of state.
So, Zhou was hated by both his aides and people. Eventually, his regime was overthrown and he burned himself to death.
After ascending the throne, King Wu, the new ruler of the Western Zhou Dynasty, found his palace inundated with priceless gifts presented by small neighboring kingdoms. Many of the gifts were very attractive.
One of the new ruler's aides feared King Wu might follow the same disastrous course as King Zhou. So, one day he came to see the new ruler and reminded him of the failure of his predecessor.
He said indulging in material pleasures or hobbies would sap the king's will to lead his state and people to prosperity. So, he persuaded the ruler to distance himself from any indulgences.
The phrase "wan2 wu4 sang4 zhi4," cited by the aide to promote moderation, is still popular today.
It is often used to warn people that too much attention to extracurricular activities will soften one's determination to achieve more important goals in life.
The principle is best expressed in a 3,000-year-old Chinese saying "wan2 wu4 sang4 zhi4" or "indulging in a hobby saps one's will."
The saying was coined by an aide to the first ruler of the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century-770 BC), which was established after the downfall of the Shang Dynasty (16th century-11th century BC).
The Shang Dynasty collapse was caused by the corruption of King Zhou, the last ruler of the regime.
Zhou was a notorious tyrant who indulged himself in material pleasures. He boasted a huge collection of precious stones, pearls and exotic plants, as well as rare birds and animals.
He squandered tons of treasury gold on the construction of grandiose palaces and gardens where he spent most of his time playing with his hundreds of concubines and maids of honor.
He was so preoccupied with trivial and sensual pursuits that he almost totally ignored his duties as the head of state.
So, Zhou was hated by both his aides and people. Eventually, his regime was overthrown and he burned himself to death.
After ascending the throne, King Wu, the new ruler of the Western Zhou Dynasty, found his palace inundated with priceless gifts presented by small neighboring kingdoms. Many of the gifts were very attractive.
One of the new ruler's aides feared King Wu might follow the same disastrous course as King Zhou. So, one day he came to see the new ruler and reminded him of the failure of his predecessor.
He said indulging in material pleasures or hobbies would sap the king's will to lead his state and people to prosperity. So, he persuaded the ruler to distance himself from any indulgences.
The phrase "wan2 wu4 sang4 zhi4," cited by the aide to promote moderation, is still popular today.
It is often used to warn people that too much attention to extracurricular activities will soften one's determination to achieve more important goals in life.
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