"Yú Gōng Yí Shān" (愚公移山) - The Foolish Old Man Who Moved Mountains: Never Give Up on Your Dreams!

(Image: A powerful and inspiring image depicting an elderly man (Yugong) with his family, resolutely chipping away at a giant mountain with simple tools. Or a more symbolic image representing unwavering determination and the gradual overcoming of a huge obstacle. A classic Chinese painting style or a modern, impactful illustration would be effective.)

Imagine an old man, nearly ninety years old, determined to move two massive mountains with nothing but hand tools and the help of his family. Seemingly impossible, right? This incredible image is the heart of the Chinese idiom "Yú Gōng Yí Shān" (愚公移山). It's a deeply inspiring expression of unwavering perseverance, the belief that even the most daunting tasks can be accomplished through persistent effort, generation after generation. Let's explore the legendary story and profound meaning behind this idiom!

Pronunciation and Breakdown:

• Yú (愚): (Pronounced: yú, Tone 2 - rising tone) - Foolish, silly, simple, unsophisticated (Note: In this context, "foolish" is used with a positive connotation, implying simple-minded dedication and unwavering belief.)
• Gōng (公): (Pronounced: gōng, Tone 1 - high and level tone) - Old man, grandfather, venerable man (respectful title)
• Yí (移): (Pronounced: yí, Tone 2 - rising tone) - To move, to shift, to remove
• Shān (山): (Pronounced: shān, Tone 1 - high and level tone) - Mountain

Putting it together, "Yú Gōng Yí Shān" literally means "Foolish Old Man moves mountain." The seemingly contradictory nature of "foolish" and "mountain-moving" is precisely what makes the idiom so powerful and thought-provoking.

Origin and Story: The Legend of Yugong and the Mountains

The idiom "Yú Gōng Yí Shān" originates from a famous fable in the Liezi (列子), a Daoist text from ancient China. The story is about an old man named Yugong (愚公), who lived in ancient times and was nearly ninety years old.

Yugong's house was located in front of two enormous mountains, Mount Taihang (太行山) and Mount Wangwu (王屋山). These mountains blocked his way, making it extremely inconvenient for him and his family to travel and access the outside world. Seeing the hardship these mountains caused, Yugong made an extraordinary decision.

He gathered his family and declared, "Let us use all our strength to flatten these two mountains! We will clear the path and make our lives easier for generations to come!"

His family, while initially surprised, were inspired by Yugong's determination and agreed to help. They began to dig up the mountains with simple tools like hoes and shovels, carrying the excavated earth and stones away to the Bohai Sea, mile after mile.

An intelligent man, Zhisou (智叟), laughed at Yugong's seemingly impossible task, saying, "You are so foolish! You are so old and weak, and these mountains are so huge and tall. How can you possibly move them?"

Yugong replied with unwavering conviction, "You are the foolish one! While I may be old, I have sons, and my sons will have sons, and their sons will have sons… We will continue this work generation after generation. Though these mountains are tall, they cannot grow taller. With each generation’s tireless effort, we will surely move them one day!"

Moved by Yugong's incredible determination and unwavering spirit, the Heavenly Emperor (天帝) was touched. He sent down two mighty gods to carry away Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu. Thus, Yugong's seemingly impossible dream was realized, and the mountains were moved.

The story of Yugong became the origin of the idiom "Yú Gōng Yí Shān," a timeless allegory for the power of perseverance, intergenerational effort, and the belief that even mountains can be moved with unwavering determination.

Meaning and Usage: Unwavering Perseverance and Determination

"Yú Gōng Yí Shān" (愚公移山) means: The Foolish Old Man moves mountains; to have unwavering determination and perseverance; to be persistent in the face of seemingly impossible tasks; to believe that even mountains can be moved with enough effort; to embody the spirit of never giving up.

This idiom is used to praise unyielding determination and the spirit of perseverance in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It highlights the power of:

• Persistence and Perseverance (坚持不懈 - Jiānchí bùxiè): The importance of continuing effort despite difficulties and setbacks. Yugong's story is the ultimate example of persistence.
• Unwavering Determination (坚定不移 - Jiāndìng bùyí): Having a firm and unshakeable resolve to achieve a goal, regardless of how challenging it may seem.
• Intergenerational Effort (代代相传 - Dài dài xiāng chuán): Recognizing that some grand goals may require sustained effort over many generations. Yugong's vision extended beyond his own lifetime.
• Belief in the Possible (相信可能 - Xiāngxìn kěnéng): Challenging the notion of "impossible" and believing that even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome with enough effort and time.

Examples in Context:

• "虽然创业过程很艰难，但是我们要有 愚公移山 的精神，坚持下去，一定能成功。" (Suīrán chuàngyè guòchéng hěn jiānnán, dànshì wǒmen yào yǒu yú gōng yí shān de jīngshén, jiānchí xiàqù, yīdìng néng chénggōng.) - "Although the entrepreneurial process is very difficult, we must have the spirit of Yugong moving mountains, persevere, and we will surely succeed."
• "面对科研难题，科研人员发扬 愚公移山 的精神，经过多年努力，终于取得了突破。" (Miàn duì kēyán nántí, kēyán rényuán fāyáng yú gōng yí shān de jīngshén, jīngguò duō nián nǔlì, zhōngyú qǔdé le túpò.) - "Facing scientific research challenges, researchers carried forward the spirit of Yugong moving mountains, and after years of effort, finally achieved a breakthrough."
• "为了改善家乡的贫困状况，他立下 愚公移山 的壮志，决心改变家乡的面貌。" (Wèi le gǎishàn jiāxiāng de pínkùn zhuàngkuàng, tā lì xià yú gōng yí shān de zhuàngzhì, juéxīn gǎibiàn jiāxiāng de miànmào.) - "To improve the poverty situation in his hometown, he made a grand resolution with the spirit of Yugong moving mountains, determined to change the face of his hometown."
• "实现中华民族伟大复兴的中国梦，需要我们发扬 愚公移山 的精神， generations of hard work." (Shíxiàn Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà fùxīng de Zhōngguó mèng, xūyào wǒmen fāyáng yú gōng yí shān de jīngshén, dài dài xiāng chuán, jiēxù fēndòu.) - "To realize the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we need to carry forward the spirit of Yugong moving mountains, generation after generation, continuing to strive."

Cultural Significance: A National Symbol of Perseverance

"Yú Gōng Yí Shān" is far more than just an idiom in Chinese culture; it is a national symbol of perseverance, determination, and the power of collective effort. It deeply reflects core Chinese cultural values, including:

• Perseverance as a Virtue (毅力 - Yìlì): Perseverance is highly regarded as a key virtue in Chinese culture. Yugong's story epitomizes this virtue to its highest degree.
• Collective Effort and Unity (团结协作 - Tuánjié xiézuò): While Yugong is the central figure, the story emphasizes the importance of family and community working together towards a common goal.
• Optimism and Can-Do Attitude (乐观向上 - Lèguān xiàngshàng): Despite the seemingly impossible nature of the task, Yugong maintains unwavering optimism and a belief in eventual success. This positive spirit is deeply valued.
• Intergenerational Responsibility (代际责任 - Dài jì zérèn): The story highlights the idea that each generation has a responsibility to contribute to the betterment of future generations. Yugong's vision extended far beyond his own lifespan.

Why This Idiom Matters in Chinese Culture: "Yú Gōng Yí Shān" is one of the most beloved and frequently cited idioms in China. It's used in speeches by leaders, in classrooms to inspire students, and in everyday conversation to encourage perseverance in the face of any challenge, large or small. It has become a powerful cultural touchstone, representing the belief that through sustained effort, unity, and unwavering determination, even the most daunting obstacles can be overcome, mountains can be moved, and dreams can be realized. It's a timeless message of hope and empowerment.

Synonyms and Related Concepts:

• Chinese Synonyms:

  • 锲而不舍 (qiè ér bù shě): "Carve and not give up." - Similar meaning of persistent effort and never giving up.
  • 持之以恒 (chí zhī yǐ héng): "Persist and maintain constancy." - Emphasizes sustained effort and consistency over time.
  • 水滴石穿 (shuǐ dī shí chuān): "Dripping water wears through stone." - Illustrates the power of small, consistent actions over time.

• English Equivalents:

  • Perseverance pays off: General saying about the rewards of persistence.
  • Where there's a will, there's a way: Emphasizes the power of determination to find solutions.
  • Keep your nose to the grindstone: To work persistently and diligently.
  • Never give up: Simple and direct expression of unwavering determination.
  • Rome wasn't built in a day: Acknowledges that great achievements take time and sustained effort.

"Yú Gōng Yí Shān" is a timeless and universally inspiring idiom that teaches us that with unwavering determination, persistent effort, and a belief in the possible, we can indeed move mountains in our own lives and for generations to come!