Chinese Idiom: 祸起萧墙 (Huo Qi Xiao Qiang)
English Translation: Disaster arises from within
pīn yīn: huò qǐ xiāo qiáng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom means that trouble or disaster originates from internal conflicts rather than external threats. It emphasizes the dangers of disunity and betrayal within a group or organization.
Historical Source: The Analects (论语) – “On the Ji Family.”
Idiom Story:
Confucius, born in the state of Lu, witnessed the political turmoil of his time, particularly the powerful influence of the Ji family (also known as the Ji Sun family). During the reign of Duke Ai of Lu, the Ji family held significant authority, overshadowing the actual ruler. To expand their influence further, they planned to attack a vassal state, Zhuanyun.
Confucius opposed this aggressive action, arguing against the Ji family’s intentions. He highlighted that true leadership involves ensuring stability and fair distribution of wealth, not engaging in internal conflicts that could lead to disaster. He admonished his students, Ran You and Zi Lu, who were loyal to the Ji family and supported the attack on Zhuanyun, saying:
“Ran, a gentleman detests making excuses for greed. I’ve heard that a ruler should not worry about a lack of wealth, but about its uneven distribution; not about too few people, but about instability. If wealth is fairly distributed, there is no poverty; if stability is maintained, there is no fear of loss. In such a case, if distant states do not yield, we can attract them through education and virtue. Once they come, we should ensure they feel secure. But now, you two support the Ji family, and the state is fracturing. I fear the true threat to Ji Sun does not lie in Zhuanyun but within our own walls.”
With this remark, Confucius directly pointed to the internal strife and potential betrayal from within, illustrating that the real danger to the Ji family’s power came not from external enemies but from their own inability to maintain harmony.
Thus, the phrase “祸起萧墙” emerged, symbolizing how disasters often arise from internal discord, reminding us that internal unity is crucial for stability and success.
