Here is a brief English story about Sima Guang, a famous historian and statesman during the Northern Song Dynasty:
The Wisdom of Sima Guang
In the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a wise and learned man named Sima Guang. He was not only a brilliant historian but also a statesman who served as the prime minister of the empire.
One day, a dispute arose in the imperial court regarding the construction of a new palace. The court officials were divided in their opinions, with some supporting the project and others opposing it. The emperor, unable to make a decision, turned to Sima Guang for advice.
Sima Guang listened carefully to both sides and then asked the court officials to bring him a bowl of water. He took a sip and then asked, “What do you see in this bowl of water?”
The officials replied, “It is water, Your Majesty.”
Sima Guang nodded and said, “Yes, but what else do you see?”
One official, noticing the ripples in the water, said, “I see the waves caused by the wind.”
Another official, looking at the bottom of the bowl, said, “I see the bowl itself.”
Sima Guang smiled and said, “The same is true with this issue. You see the surface, the bottom, and the waves, but you are missing the essence of the matter. The construction of the palace is not just about the building itself; it is about the needs of the people and the stability of the empire.”
The emperor, enlightened by Sima Guang’s words, realized that the decision should not be based solely on personal desires but on the greater good of the empire. He postponed the construction of the palace and focused on more pressing matters.
Sima Guang’s wisdom and ability to see beyond the surface of things earned him the respect and admiration of his contemporaries. His historical works, such as “Zizhi Tongjian,” remain a valuable resource for understanding the history of China.
This story highlights Sima Guang’s wisdom and his approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of considering the broader context and the needs of the people.
