
Chinese Idiom: 孟母三迁 (Meng Mu San Qian)
English Translation: Meng’s mother moved three times
pīn yīn: mèng mǔ sān qiān
Idiom Meaning: This idiom serves as a reminder to emphasize the importance of social environment and social interactions in influencing children’s development and education.
Historical Source: Han dynasty scholar Zhao Qi’s inscription on Mengzi (孟子)
Idiom Story:
Mengzi, also known as Meng Ke, was born into a declining noble family in the State of Lu during the Warring States period. He is renowned as a philosopher, politician, and educator, and is considered a successor to Confucius’s teachings, earning the title “Second Sage” (亚圣). His remarkable achievements are closely tied to the diligent education provided by his mother.
When Mengzi was three years old, his father passed away. His mother, a wise and virtuous woman, took on the heavy responsibilities of family life while working as a laundress and spinner. Despite her burdens, she was determined to educate Mengzi, urging him to study hard to become knowledgeable. However, as a child, Mengzi was lively and playful, showing little interest in restraint.
Initially, they lived on the outskirts of town, near a graveyard. Young Mengzi frequently witnessed funerals and tomb-sweeping activities, leading him to play games imitating burial practices. Concerned about the negative influence of such surroundings, Mengzi’s mother decided to relocate to the city.
In the city, they lived near a butcher, and Mengzi quickly became fascinated with the sight of slaughtering animals. Disheartened, his mother lamented, “This place is also unsuitable for my son!” Thus, she moved again, this time closer to a school.
Living near the school exposed Mengzi to scholars and the sound of learning. Under this new environment, he began to imitate reading and proper behavior. Delighted by this transformation, his mother exclaimed, “Now this is the right place for my son!” and decided to settle there.
While it may seem that Mengzi’s mother’s repeated relocations reflect a disdain for manual labor, her understanding of the significant impact of social environment and interactions on a child’s development is commendable. She prioritized creating and choosing a positive learning environment for her son, which serves as a valuable lesson for parents today.