Chinese Idiom: 从善如流 (Cong Shan Ru Liu)
English Translation: Readily follow good advice
pīn yīn: cóng shàn rú liú
Idiom Meaning: It describes someone who is quick to accept and act upon wise and correct advice.
Historical Source: Zuo Zhuan: Duke Cheng of Qi, Year 8 (《左传·成公八年》).
Idiom Story
In 583 BC, the King of Chu launched an attack on the State of Zheng, which was an ally of the State of Jin. In response, Duke Jing of Jin sent his minister Luan Shu to lead an army to assist Zheng. The Chu forces, seeing the formidable Jin army, retreated.
With the Chu forces gone, Luan Shu decided to attack the Chu ally, the State of Cai. In response, Chu sent Prince Shen and Prince Cheng with troops to aid Cai. Jin generals Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo sought Luan Shu’s approval to engage the Chu troops.
At this point, three Jin generals – Zhi Zhuangzi, Fan Wenzi, and Han Xianzi – advised Luan Shu against the attack. They argued that although the Chu army had retreated, they might return, and engaging in battle could be futile. A victory would be insignificant, and a defeat would be humiliating. They recommended withdrawing instead.
Luan Shu considered their advice and agreed it was reasonable. Despite some opposition from others who favored fighting, Luan Shu valued the wise counsel of Zhi Zhuangzi and his companions, who represented the more thoughtful minority. He chose to follow their advice and withdrew his forces.
Two years later, Luan Shu took advantage of Chu’s unpreparedness and launched a surprise attack on another Chu ally, the State of Shen, achieving a swift victory and capturing Shen Zi Yi. The success earned him praise, and people remarked on his readiness to accept good advice: “从善如流,” meaning he was commendable for following wise counsel.
This story led to the idiom “从善如流” being used to describe someone who readily and wisely adopts beneficial advice.
