Chinese Idiom Stories for Software Professionals: #28 Climb a tree to Catch fish (缘木求鱼)
No chance to succeed if picking the wrong direction and adopting the wrong approach.
This article is one of the “Chinese Idiom Stories for Software Professionals” series.
The Story
The story is recorded in “The works of Mencius”, ~300BC.
During the Warring States Period in ancient China, King Qixuan wanted to conquer other kingdoms. the famous philosopher Mencius persuaded King Qixuan to renounce the use of force, and stated that “conquering the hearts of the people is the best policy”.
Mencius asked the King: “Why do you mobilize the national army to attack other countries?”
The King replied: “To satisfy my greatest desire.”
Mencius asked: “What is your greatest desire?”
The king smiled and did not answer. Mencius then asked: “Is it that you still haven’t possessed enough valuable things? Or is it that you are not contented with the number of people who listen to and serve you?”
The King quickly said: “No, no, it’s not about these.”
