Chinese Idiom: 坚忍不拔 (Jian Ren Bu Ba)
English Translation: Steadfast and unyielding
pīn yīn: jiān rěn bù bá
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a person with a firm will and determination, who is not swayed by any difficulties or setbacks. “坚” (jiān) means firm or steadfast, while “拔” (bá) refers to moving or changing.
Historical Source: Su Shi’s On Chao Cuo (《晁错论》), from the Northern Song Dynasty.
Idiom Story:
In On Chao Cuo, Su Shi reflects on the lessons learned from the downfall of Chao Cuo, who attempted to weaken the power of feudal lords during the reign of Emperor Jing of Han. While Su Shi sympathizes with Chao Cuo’s intentions and laments his fate, he argues that Chao Cuo’s execution was largely due to his own shortcomings, particularly his hasty approach to reform and lack of foresight. Su Shi outlines two key reasons for Chao Cuo’s demise:
Hasty Reforms: Chao Cuo rushed his reforms without adequately considering potential adverse consequences and the necessary countermeasures. Su Shi emphasizes that achieving great things requires not only talent but also the steadfast will to see them through. He references the legendary figure Yu the Great, who successfully controlled floods by opening the Dragon Gate and redirecting waters to the sea. Even before his success was realized, Yu faced the threat of disasters, yet he remained composed and planned carefully, which ultimately led to his success.
Failure to Act: When the powerful states of Wu and Chu united in rebellion, Chao Cuo failed to take decisive action and instead suggested that Emperor Jing lead the troops while he remained in the capital to preserve his own safety. This hesitation allowed others to conspire against him, resulting in his execution.
The essence of Su Shi’s argument is encapsulated in the following passage:
“Since ancient times, those who have accomplished great things possess not only extraordinary talent but also a steadfast and unyielding spirit. In the past, Yu the Great managed the floods by opening the Dragon Gate and directing the waters to the sea. Before his success was realized, he faced fears of breaches and conflicts. However, because he could foresee the inevitable challenges, he remained unafraid and methodically devised solutions, leading him to success. Thus, it is no surprise that the strong states of Wu and Chu rebelled when their power was suddenly weakened.”
This narrative illustrates the importance of determination and foresight in leadership and the execution of significant reforms, emphasizing the value of being “坚忍不拔” in the face of adversity.
