Commitment
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 1
- 2
- 1
- 2
Jiang and Huang were two small states located close to the powerful state of Chu. When Chu threatened to annex them, both sent envoys to Qi to seek an alliance with Duke Huan, the ruler of Qi.
"Don't acquiesce in their request," Prime Minister Guan Zhong advised the duke. "These two states are too far away. If Chu attacks them, we won't be able to defend them. If we become their ally but can’t live up to our commitment, we'll lose our credibility."
But Duke Huan ignored his warning. He went ahead and formed the alliance. When Chu attacked Jiang and Huang, Qi could not come to their rescue in time, and they were eventually subjugated by Chu. As a result, the prestige of Duke Huan plummeted, and countries that had previously held him in high regard no longer listened to him.
Next Story
The Fiddle
Last Story
Dog at Wineshop
Wise Proverbs
- Short pleasure, long lament.
- 痛快一时，痛苦一世。
- Look before you leap.
- 三思而后行。
- Never buy a pig in a poke.
- 东西没看清，不要急着买。
Editor Says:
Never commit yourself beyond your ability. Credibility is easy to lose, hard to gain and even harder to regain.