Chinese Idiom: 死而不朽 (Si Er Bu Xiu)
English Translation: Dead but not decayed
pīn yīn: sǐ ér bù xiǔ
Idiom Meaning: Refers to a person who, although deceased, has left a lasting reputation or legacy, with their name and accomplishments enduring over time.
Historical Source: “Zuo Zhuan” (《左传·襄公二十四年》).
Idiom Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, a minister from the state of Lu named Mu Shu was sent to the state of Jin for a visit. Upon his arrival, he was warmly received by the Jin nobleman Fan Xuanzi, who engaged him in conversation.
Fan Xuanzi asked Mu Shu, “There is an ancient saying: ‘死而不朽’ (dead but not decayed). Do you know what it means?” Mu Shu, unsure of the context behind this question, hesitated to respond. Mistaking Mu Shu’s silence for ignorance, Fan Xuanzi boasted, “My ancestors have a long lineage: from Yushun to the Tao Tang clan, then to the Yulong clan during the Xia Dynasty, the Shiwei clan in the Shang Dynasty, and the Tang clan during the Zhou Dynasty. After the decline of the Zhou royal family, my family took charge of the alliances in the Central Plains. Surely, this ‘死而不朽’ must refer to this legacy!”
Hearing this, Mu Shu found Fan Xuanzi’s self-praise unappealing and replied, “What you refer to as a legacy is merely ‘世禄’ (the benefits of one’s family name), which is about enjoying a title and wealth for generations. In Lu, there was a deceased minister named Cang Wenzhong, whose teachings have been passed down through generations and remain relevant. This is what is truly meant by ‘不朽’ (not decaying).”
He continued, “I have heard that the highest form of legacy is to establish virtue, followed by establishing achievements, and then establishing teachings. If one can accomplish these, even in death, they will not be forgotten. This is what we call the ‘三不朽’ (three forms of immortality). However, merely preserving a surname and maintaining ancestral worship is common to all nations and does not equate to true immortality.”
Through this exchange, Mu Shu emphasizes the importance of personal merit, character, and influence over mere lineage, illustrating the profound meaning behind “死而不朽.”
