Tales Real and Imaginary
(35)《Caring Wins over Curses》
Once long ago, a boy named Sunsu Ao was walking on a hill path when he encountered a two-headed snake. He killed it and buried it in a deep hole.
When he got home and saw his mother he started crying and sobbing.
His mother comforted him and asked what was wrong.
“Mom, is it true that anyone who has seen a two-headed snake will soon die of curse? I just saw such a snake today walking up the hill.”
“Where is the snake now?” asked his mother.
“I killed it and buried it deep. I did not want anyone to see it and suffer the same ill-fate like me.”
His mother took him in her arms and said: “While the curse may not be true, you did a noble thing. Everyone will love you and not let you die, dear.”
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Note: This is an English narration from an allegory in the book《新書》of the 6th century. It praises people who care for others intuitively; act instinctively to enhance public good, despite being in personal danger.
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Tales Real and Imaginary
(36) Rowing and Governing
Hui Zi (惠子) was appointed the Prime Minister of the State of Wei (魏國) in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). He was ferrying a wide river to reach his office in the city of Liang (梁) when he lost his footing and fell into the river. The boatman pulled him up and saved him.
“Where are you hurrying to be so careless?” asked the boatman.
“I am going to the State of Liang to take up the office of Prime Minister. They need me” replied Hui Zi.
“That is odd,” the boatman continued, “You were so helpless just now when you fell into the river. If you can’t even take care of yourself, how are you able to govern a country of thousands of people?”
Hui Zi replied politely: “You are right and I thank you for saving my life. You are very good rowing a boat. But when it comes to managing the affairs of a big country, I can do better than you. There is no need for us to compare our abilities.”
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Note: This is an English narration of an allegory in the book《說苑》. The story used the philosophy of Zhang Zi (莊子) to say that all abilities are useful, each serving a specific purpose.