Chinese Idiom: 老生常谈 (Lao Sheng Chang Tan)
English Translation: Old scholar’s common talk
pīn yīn: lǎo shēng cháng tán
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to words or opinions that are often repeated and lack novelty or originality. It implies a sense of weariness towards hearing the same old ideas or arguments.
Historical Source: “Records of the Three Kingdoms · Wei Book · Biography of Guan Lu” (《三国志 · 魏书 · 管辂传》)
Idiom Story:
Guan Lu (管辂) was a notable figure during the Three Kingdoms period, recognized for his diligence in study and sharp intellect, particularly in astronomy. By the age of fifteen, he had already mastered the “I Ching” (《周易》) and was proficient in divination, earning him some local fame.
On the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, two high-ranking officials, He Yan (何晏) and Deng Ying (邓飏), summoned Guan Lu for a divination session after enjoying a lavish meal. He Yan and Deng Ying were known for their power and corrupt behavior, being closely associated with Cao Shuai (曹爽), the nephew of the warlord Cao Cao.
Eager to assert their authority, He Yan asked Guan Lu to predict his fortunes and to interpret a dream he had about flies buzzing around his nose. Guan Lu seized the opportunity to deliver a pointed admonition, referencing the virtues of Zhou Gong (周公), who served the Duke of Zhou. He advised that He Yan’s position, while high, came with little gratitude and much fear, suggesting that this was not a good sign. He urged He Yan to emulate the virtuous qualities of great sages to avoid disaster.
Deng Ying, skeptical of Guan Lu’s counsel, dismissed it as “老生常谈,” meaning that it was merely the usual platitudes with no real substance. He Yan, on the other hand, remained silent and visibly displeased.
Guan Lu, unfazed, remarked that despite being common wisdom, such advice should not be taken lightly. Shortly after, news broke that He Yan and Deng Ying, along with Cao Shuai, were executed for conspiracy against the state. Reflecting on their fate, Guan Lu lamented that they disregarded the “old scholar’s common talk,” which ultimately led to their downfall.
This story has cemented the idiom “老生常谈” in Chinese culture as a reminder of the importance of heeding wise counsel, no matter how familiar it may seem.
