Chinese Idiom: 发人深省 (Fa Ren Shen Xing)
English Translation: Inspire deep reflection in people
pīn yīn: fā rén shēn xǐng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes something that prompts deep thought and self-reflection, leading to an awakening or realization. It often refers to situations, stories, or experiences that make people reconsider their actions or perspectives.
Historical Source: Liezi (《列子》), specifically from the chapter Shuo Fu (《说符》)
Idiom Story:
In the Warring States period, there was a scholar and thinker from the state of Wei named Yang Zhu (杨朱), also known as Ziju (子居). He was known for his philosophical insights. One day, his younger brother, Yang Bu (杨布), woke up early in the morning and dressed in a white robe before going out. Shortly after he left, it began to rain, and he returned home wearing a black robe, having changed out of his wet clothes.
As soon as Yang Bu entered the house, their family dog, which did not recognize him in his new attire, barked fiercely and lunged at him as if he were a stranger. Angered by this, Yang Bu grabbed a stick and was about to hit the dog for its behavior.
Seeing this, Yang Zhu, who was walking in the courtyard, quickly intervened. He said to his brother, “Do not chase the dog. You are still the same person, but imagine if the dog had gone out with a white coat and returned with a black one—wouldn’t you find it strange?” Yang Zhu’s words, though simple, contained a profound lesson.
Yang Bu realized that instead of blaming the dog, he should have considered the situation from the dog’s perspective. The dog’s reaction was understandable since it didn’t recognize him in his different clothing.
The story highlights how sometimes, when faced with misunderstandings or conflicts, it is important to reflect on our own actions and consider how others perceive situations. This lesson in empathy and self-awareness inspired the idiom “发人深省,” which emphasizes the importance of provoking deep thought and self-reflection.
