Story Summary
Explore the Chinese legend of The Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains. Discover how Yugong's unwavering persistence and faith moved the gods to clear his path.
In ancient China, a ninety-year-old man named Yugong lived behind two massive peaks, Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu, which blocked his path and forced his family to take long, treacherous detours. Determined to change their fate, Yugong gathered his family and proposed they level the mountains. They began the impossible task, chipping away at rock and carrying soil in baskets to the distant Bohai Sea. A neighbor, known as the Wise Old Man, mocked Yugong for his folly, pointing out that he was too old and frail to even damage a hill. Yugong calmly replied, 'Though I may die, my sons will remain. They will have grandsons, and those grandsons will have sons. The mountains will not grow any higher, and with every bit we remove, they will eventually be leveled.' The Jade Emperor, moved by Yugong’s indomitable spirit and the sincerity of his labor, sent two divine beings to carry the mountains away, rewarding his persistence by finally clearing the path.
The Moral
Persistence and unwavering determination can overcome even the most monumental obstacles, as long as one remains committed to the goal.
“Though I may die, my son remains; my son shall have a grandson... and the mountains will not grow any higher.”
Fun Fact
This legend became significantly more famous in modern times after Mao Zedong used it in a 1945 speech to inspire the Chinese people to persevere through the revolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains?
The story teaches that with great persistence and collective effort, no obstacle is too big to overcome. It emphasizes the importance of long-term vision and the power of the human spirit over seemingly impossible odds.
Which mountains did Yugong try to move?
The legend specifies Mount Taihang and Mount Wangwu, two actual mountain ranges in China that were said to block the path of Yugong's home.
Who is the Wise Old Man in the story?
The Wise Old Man, or Zhisou, is a character who serves as a foil to Yugong. He represents narrow-minded logic and skepticism, mocking Yugong's ambitious plan as an impossible task for an old man.
Did Yugong actually finish moving the mountains himself?
No, Yugong did not finish the task personally. Instead, the Jade Emperor was so impressed by Yugong's dedication and his reasoning about future generations that he ordered gods to move the mountains for him.
What does 'Yugong Yi Shan' mean in Chinese culture?
It is a popular four-character idiom (chengyu) that literally translates to 'Yugong moves mountains.' It is used to describe someone who shows great grit and perseverance in the face of difficulty.
What is the origin of this legend?
The story originates from the 'Liezi,' a classic Taoist text written during the Warring States period, and has been a staple of Chinese folklore and moral education for centuries.
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