Chinese Idiom: 愚公移山 (Yu Gong Yi Shan)
English Translation: The Foolish Old Man Moves the Mountains
pīn yīn: yú gōng yí shān
Idiom Meaning: This idiom metaphorically refers to having determination and perseverance in overcoming difficulties and obstacles.
Historical Source: From the text Liezi (《列子 · 汤问》).
Idiom Story:
The story of “愚公移山” originates from the ancient Chinese text Liezi, which is attributed to a thinker from the Warring States period. Although the original text has been lost, eight surviving chapters, compiled by the Eastern Jin scholar Zhang Zhan, emphasize Daoist thought while preserving excellent fables that convey materialistic and dialectical viewpoints.
The fable of the “Foolish Old Man” tells of an elderly man named Yu Gong, who was nearly ninety years old. He was troubled by two mountains blocking the road in front of his home—Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu. Determined to clear the way, he resolved to move these two mountains to open up the road. With the help of his three able-bodied sons and grandsons, he began the arduous task of moving stones and digging up earth, transporting the debris to the shores of the Bohai Sea.
An old man named Zhi Sou, observing Yu Gong’s efforts, scoffed at him, saying, “You are foolish! With your frail body and little strength, you cannot even remove the grass and trees on the mountains, let alone move the mountains themselves!”
In response, Yu Gong said, “I have made up my mind to move the mountains. Even if I die, my sons will continue the work, and they will pass it on to their sons. Each time we remove a load of earth, that’s one less load. If we keep at it, how can we not eventually level the mountains?”
Moved by Yu Gong’s sincerity and determination, the Jade Emperor sent down two immortals to carry the mountains away.
From this story, the idiom “愚公移山” emerged, symbolizing the spirit of perseverance and unwavering resolve in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
