The Fiddle
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When Chen Zi'ang first came to Chang'an, the capital of the Tang dynasty, nobody knew him. He passed the imperial examination, but it was no big deal as hundreds of others did the same. Chen Zi'ang was frustrated.
One day he was strolling in the streets when he saw a man selling a fiddle. The asking price was a thousand ounces of gold. A big crowd gathered around, but nobody knew whether the instrument was worth the price. Chen Zi'ang pushed his way through to the front.
"I'll buy it," he told the seller. "Come with me."
The crowd stared at him in astonishment.
"Do you play the fiddle, sir?" someone asked.
"Yes. I'm a virtuoso player," replied Chen Zi'ang.
"Could you play for us, please?"
"Sure. Come to the square in front of the Temple of the Town God tomorrow morning. I'll play for you."
The next day many people gathered there. Holding the fiddle in his hand, Chen Zi'ang announced, "I am a scholar from Sichuan. I've passed the imperial examination, but nobody cares. I would like you to read my writings. As for the fiddle, I don't know how to play it. I'm not interested in being a fiddler."
With that, he smashed the fiddle. Then he handed out copies of his essay to the astonished spectators. Soon enough his reputation spread. Before long even Empress Wu heard of him. She gave him an audience and offered him a good position in the government. Later Chen Zi'ang became a well-known poet.
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Wise Proverbs
- A man can do no more than he can.
- 凡事都应量力而行。
- A boaster and a liar are cousins-german.
- 吹牛与说谎本是同宗。
- Actions speak louder than words.
- 事实胜于雄辩。
Editor Says:
Using unconventional means to court publicity is fine provided you have real talent. If you don't, you will expose yourself to ridicule.