Ancient Chinese Fable Stories - (Elementary School Part) (Revised Edition)

Author: Bei Da Zhong / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: The fables collected in this book, according to their ideological content, can be summarized into three categories.
The first category uses vivid and lively metaphors to convey profound wisdom, not only providing aesthetic enjoyment but also imparting enlightenment. Since the pre-Qin period, China has produced many fables with strong philosophical depth, forming a distinctive feature of ancient Chinese fables. Many of them shine with the light of (materialism) or dialectics. For example, "The Frog in the Well" from the Zhuangzi illustrates the vastness of the world, emphasizing that people should not be arrogant based on their limited knowledge. "The Man Who Worried About the Sky Falling" from the Liezi explains that the sky is merely accumulated gas, present everywhere, and the earth is made of soil, filling all directions, so the idea of the heavens collapsing is baseless. "Painting Ghosts" (from the Huai Yan Ji) shows that proceeding objectively and following the laws of nature is difficult and requires hard work, while detached, unrealistic talk is easy. Many other fables sarcastically critique the manifestations of idealism and metaphysics, vividly portraying the grotesque attitudes of those rigidly clinging to metaphysical dogma. "Planting Seeds to Make Them Grow Faster" teaches people how foolish actions that defy objective laws are absurd; "The Man Who Got a Person by Digging a Well" highlights the dangers of relying on hearsay and subjective speculation, which inevitably leads to errors; and "The Man from Zheng Who Bought Shoes" exemplifies dogmatism.
The second category has the nature of "admonishing virtue and punishing evil," offering many positive insights. "The Law of Biting Needles" illustrates the despicable behavior of those with corrupt intentions who harm friends for personal gain. "Waiting for Next Year" and "The Monkey's Love for Alcohol" encourage people to correct their mistakes instead of making excuses or acting knowingly. "The Centipede's Pride" and "Overconfidence Leads to Defeat" teach people not to be arrogant or lightly underestimate opponents. Some stories in this category, however, contain negative elements, such as outdated views promoting passivity and karma. We should be discerning and critically analyze these.
The third category is "exposing hidden flaws and revealing their evils," characterized by satire. Some target current affairs, condemning ignorant customs and exposing the darkness and corruption of feudal society. "Stealing Someone's Clothes" and "Gao Xin's Love for Killing" reveal the cunning and cruelty of evil people. "Crossing the River Twice" and "The Cat Celebrating the Mouse's Birthday" mock the insincerity of hypocrites. "The Dispute Over Geese" criticizes the of empty talk and meaningless debates. "The Sly Fox and the Tiger" and "The Mountain Spirit Polishing a Mirror" show that flattery and aversion to criticism will ultimately lead to one's downfall. "The Pedantic Scholar Putting Out Fires" and "Fu Xian" portray the absurdity of rigidly adhering to feudal etiquette.
Additionally, there are fables dedicated to learning attitudes, methods, and the art of struggle. Several stories about Bo Le (a legendary horse breeder) are particularly meaningful when read today.