Chinese Idiom: 不求闻达 (Bu Qiu Wen Da)
English Translations: Not Seeking Fame and Success
pīn yīn: bù qiú wén dá
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means to not pursue fame or high status, often reflecting a modest or unambitious attitude towards achieving recognition or power.
Historical Source: The First Memorial on the Expedition to the West by Zhuge Liang (《前出师表》)
Idiom Story:
Zhuge Liang, courtesy name Kongming, was an outstanding statesman and military strategist of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period. Originally from Yangdu in Langya (present-day south of Yinan, Shandong), he lived in seclusion in the mountains of Longzhong (now in Xiangyang, Hubei). Renowned for his wisdom, he was known as the “Sleeping Dragon.”
In the twelfth year of Jian’an (207 AD), Liu Bei, who was staying in Jingzhou, sought talented individuals and visited Longzhong three times to invite Zhuge Liang to assist him. Zhuge Liang advised Liu Bei to secure the regions of Jing and Yi, gain the support of the southwestern tribes, and ally with Sun Quan to launch a campaign against Cao Cao, aiming to unify the country. Following this advice, Liu Bei successfully conquered Jing and Yi, establishing the Shu Han regime.
In 221 AD, after Liu Bei declared himself emperor, Zhuge Liang was appointed Chancellor. Following Liu Bei’s death in 223 AD, Liu Bei’s son Liu Shan succeeded him, and Zhuge Liang was made Marquis of Wuxiang and Governor of Yi Province. He was responsible for all state affairs and worked diligently to improve relations with the southwestern tribes, maintain a strong alliance with Sun Wu, and campaign against Wei.
Before departing to lead an expedition against Wei in 227 AD, Zhuge Liang presented a memorial to Liu Shan, offering heartfelt advice and analysis of the current situation. In this memorial, he summarized his own background and experiences, stating:
“I was originally a commoner, personally farming in Nanyang, just hoping to survive in these troubled times, and had no desire for fame or high office among the lords. However, the late emperor (Liu Bei) did not consider my humble status and shallow knowledge, but personally visited me three times in my thatched cottage to seek my counsel on important matters of the world. This moved me deeply, and I thus promised to serve the late emperor wholeheartedly.”
The phrase “不求闻达于诸侯” (not seeking fame or recognition among the lords) evolved into the idiom “不求闻达,” which signifies a lack of ambition for fame or high status.
