Frog at the Bottom of the Well: Is the Sky Not Big Enough? - Motivational Idiom - Pocket Book for Mental Growth

Author: Zhang Rui / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
The idiom "Jingwei fills the sea" comes from an ancient myth in China. Empress Xi of Yan had a daughter named Nüwa. One day, while playing in the East Sea, she encountered a sudden storm and tragically drowned, never able to return home. Her spirit transformed into a small bird that lived by the East Sea, calling out "Jingwei, Jingwei" every day. Thus, the bird was named Jingwei.
To avenge herself and prevent others from drowning in the sea, Jingwei vowed to fill the East Sea. Every day, she flew from the Western Hills, carrying small twigs and stones to drop into the sea. She repeated this tirelessly, day after day. The East Sea mocked her, saying, "Little Jingwei, with your tiny size, even if you work for a thousand or ten million years, you'll never fill the sea!" Jingwei replied firmly, "Even if it takes a million or ten million years, until the end of time, I will keep going. One day, I will fill the sea!"
Jingwei worked even harder, filling the sea with twigs and stones, day after day, year after year. No matter how bad the weather or how tired she became, she never gave up. She continued her task, but as we all know, the East Sea remains unfilled to this day. This idiom is used to describe an unwavering spirit that refuses to give up until its goal is achieved.
Reflection and Thoughts
After hearing this story, do you admire Jingwei? Yes, we should indeed admire her unwavering confidence and determination. Do you have any other thoughts? Should Jingwei have filled the sea? Let’s revisit the story. Jingwei filled the sea to avenge herself and prevent others from suffering the same fate, but she never thought about what would happen to the animals and plants living in the sea if it were filled. What about the people who rely on fishing for their livelihood?
While doing this, Jingwei did not consider the negative impact on others. Of course, in reality, her actions had no effect. She was so small compared to the sea that her efforts seemed insignificant. Perhaps this little bird should have thought of a better way to achieve her goal. If she had not tried to fill the sea but instead warned others of storms, ensured their safety, and guided lost ships to safe harbors, what a perfect and touching story that would have been! Could she have succeeded in saving others? Yes, we believe her—the strong, resilient, and persistent spirit!
We also believe that as long as you consider all possibilities and choose reasonable methods, avoiding foolish or reckless actions, a determined person like you can also achieve your dreams!
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