Chinese Idiom: 力不从心 (Li Bu Cong Xin)
English Translation: Strength Fails the Will
pīn yīn: lì bù cóng xīn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a situation where someone’s intentions or desires are strong, but their physical strength or abilities are insufficient to accomplish them.
Historical Source: Book of the Later Han: Biography of Ban Chao (后汉书·班超传).
Idiom Story: Ban Chao (班超), an esteemed general of the Eastern Han Dynasty, was originally from Pingling in Fufeng (modern-day northeastern Xi’an, Shaanxi). In 73 AD (the 16th year of Emperor Ming’s Yongping era), he was tasked with leading 36 soldiers to the Western Regions. Through many struggles, he successfully consolidated Han rule in the area.
During the early years of Emperor Zhang (Han Zhangdi), the northern Xiongnu nobility rebelled in the Western Regions. Ban Chao, who had already been stationed in places like Shule, held his ground and later, with reinforcements from the Eastern Han Dynasty, began counterattacking. From 87 AD (the first year of Zhanghe) to 94 AD (the sixth year of Yongyuan under Emperor He), he gradually quelled the unrest, defeated the Yuezhi invaders, and ensured the safety of various ethnic groups in the Western Regions and the smooth operation of the Silk Road. Ban Chao spent 31 years in the Western Regions and was eventually honored as the Duke of Dingyuan.
In 100 AD, after nearly three decades in the Western Regions and nearing seventy years of age, Ban Chao’s health declined. He petitioned Emperor He to return to his homeland. Emperor He did not approve or even respond to his request. Ban Chao’s sister, Ban Zhao (班昭), a renowned historian and also known as Ji, who served as a tutor to the Empress and concubines, frequently entered the palace and also petitioned Emperor He to allow her brother to return to Luoyang.
In her petition, Ban Zhao earnestly wrote: “Ban Chao has been in the Western Regions for thirty years. He is now nearly seventy, frail, and suffering from many illnesses. His hair is white, his vision and hearing are failing, and he needs a cane to walk. ‘If there were a sudden rebellion, Chao’s strength could not follow his will.’”
The phrase “力不从心” (strength fails the will) means that even if Ban Chao’s spirit was willing, his physical condition could no longer meet the demands of his will.
Moved by this, Emperor He agreed to allow Ban Chao to return to Luoyang. Ban Chao arrived in Luoyang in August 102 AD, and he passed away in September at the age of 71.
