Chinese Idiom: 前车可鉴 (Qian Che Ke Jian)
English Translation: The overturned vehicle ahead serves as a warning
pīn yīn: qián chē kě jiàn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that the failures of those before us can serve as lessons for future generations.
Historical Source: “Book of Han” (《汉书》), specifically the biography of Jia Yi (贾谊).
Idiom Story:
In 179 BC, Liu Heng ascended to the throne as Emperor Wen of Han (汉文帝), known for his enlightened rule. He prioritized internal governance and the defense against foreign invasions, showing great care in appointing capable individuals.
Among them was a young scholar named Jia Yi, who gained the emperor’s favor due to his talent and straightforward counsel. Unlike other officials who merely echoed the emperor’s views, Jia Yi spoke candidly, providing sound advice that the emperor appreciated. Within a year, he was promoted to the position of Tai Zhong Da Fu (太中大夫).
In 178 BC, Jia Yi submitted a memorial suggesting that Emperor Wen advocate for increased agricultural production and implement frugality. The emperor agreed and issued a decree encouraging farmers to work hard and promising assistance to those in need. His hands-on approach and the resulting policies led to a bountiful harvest that year.
Later, in 174 BC, Jia Yi reminded Emperor Wen to heed the lessons of history, particularly the fall of the Qin Dynasty. He famously noted, “鄙谚曰：‘前车覆，后车戒。’” (A common saying goes: “When the front vehicle overturns, the rear vehicle should take warning.”) His point was clear: the destruction of the Qin Dynasty should serve as a cautionary tale for the Han.
Over time, this phrase evolved into the idiom “前车可鉴,” which encapsulates the wisdom of learning from the mistakes of predecessors to avoid repeating them.
