Introduction
Recently, I revisited Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), a classic work of Chinese literature, for the first time in a while. I’ve always been fond of Shiji and often turn to it during key moments in my life. There is a saying by Confucius, “Review the old to learn the new”, and I feel that classics like this are rich with wisdom that remains relevant to us even today.
Today, I want to talk about those unexpected adversities that occasionally arise in our lives—failures at work, troubles in relationships, or the frustration of falling short of our goals. In such moments, I believe the most important thing is to cultivate a mindset of resilience and determination, one that doesn’t waver in the face of challenges.
In this article, I’d like to highlight the story of “Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall” (Wo Xin Chang Dan, 臥薪嘗胆), an episode from Shiji. This tale is filled with insights into how to overcome adversity and achieve significant growth. Together, let’s explore what we can learn from this timeless story about turning hardships into opportunities for self-improvement.
The Origin of "Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall"
For those unfamiliar with the story, let me briefly introduce the episode behind the idiom "Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall" (Wo Xin Chang Dan, 臥薪嘗胆). This phrase combines two separate elements: "Sleeping on Brushwood" (Wo Xin, 臥薪) and "Tasting Gall" (Chang Dan, 嘗胆). It originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically the chapter titled "The Hereditary House of King Goujian of Yue". However, it is worth noting that Shiji itself only describes the "Tasting Gall" portion, while the "Sleeping on Brushwood" episode is thought to have been added later in historical interpretations and literature.
Sleeping on Brushwood
During the Spring and Autumn period, the region known as Jiangdong was home to two neighboring states: the State of Wu and, to its south, the State of Yue. In one war, the King of Wu, Helü, was mortally wounded in an attack by the Yue army and passed away. On his deathbed, Helü left a stern command to his son, King Fuchai: "Never forget that King Goujian of Yue killed your father".
Determined to avenge his father, Fuchai swore an oath of revenge. To keep this resolve alive, he ordered his servants to repeat his father’s dying words every time he entered his chambers. Furthermore, he slept on rough bundles of brushwood every night to remind himself of the pain, using physical discomfort to fuel his vengeance. This act is the origin of "Sleeping on Brushwood".
Tasting Gall
Fuchai’s relentless determination eventually bore fruit. After rebuilding Wu’s strength, he crushed King Goujian’s forces in battle and invaded the State of Yue, bringing it to the brink of destruction.
Facing defeat, King Goujian contemplated suicide but ultimately resolved to endure the humiliation as an opportunity to rebuild. To secure peace, he agreed to harsh terms, including ceding part of his territory, sending tribute, and even offering his queen to Wu. Goujian himself swore allegiance to Fuchai and spent three years living as a servant in Wu under severe conditions. Despite this humiliation, Goujian vowed to restore his kingdom and seek revenge, enduring the hardships with unwavering determination.
After finally being allowed to return to Yue, Goujian devoted himself entirely to restoring his state. He lived a disciplined and austere life, demanding the same from his subjects. As a constant reminder of his earlier humiliation, he would frequently taste gallbladders of animal, likely from pigs or cattle, reliving the bitterness of defeat and keeping his resolve sharp. This act became the origin of "Tasting Gall", symbolizing self-discipline and the strength to overcome adversity.
The Final Victory
Through strategic diplomacy and meticulous preparation, Goujian eventually found an opportunity to strike back. The State of Yue launched a campaign against Wu and succeeded in destroying it. Realizing his defeat, King Fuchai ended his life by committing suicide, marking the conclusion of this legendary tale.
This story is an enduring example of resilience, discipline, and the ability to turn adversity into strength.
How to Overcome Adversity
Even in today’s vastly different world, there is much to learn from the story of "Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall." This tale offers valuable lessons on how we should act when faced with adversity:
Have a Clear Goal
Like Fuchai and Goujian, defining what you want to achieve is key to developing the determination to overcome challenges. For Goujian, tasting gall served as a daily reminder of his goal, while for Fuchai, having his father's dying words read aloud by his retainers and sleeping on brushwood reinforced his resolve.
For example, writing a personal mission statement—your life’s overarching goal—and reciting or reading it every morning can help solidify your vision and keep you focused on achieving it. This simple routine can strengthen your resolve and keep your goals at the forefront of your mind.
Perseverance and Continuous Effort
Just as King Goujian endured years of humiliation and painstakingly rebuilt his nation, achieving long-term goals requires patience and consistent effort. While each situation is unique, even when results are not immediately apparent, adopting a long-term perspective can reveal that your current efforts might not be in vain.
An illustrative example is Howard Schultz, the American entrepreneur who transformed Starbucks into a global brand. In the early 1980s, Schultz visited Italy and was deeply inspired by its café culture, envisioning coffee shops as community hubs. However, turning this vision into reality was far from easy, particularly when it came to raising funds.
One notable challenge occurred during the early stages of his venture, Il Giornale. Schultz pitched his idea to 242 investors, only to face rejection from 217 of them. Despite these setbacks, he persisted, refining his presentations and holding steadfast to his belief. Eventually, a handful of investors provided the necessary funding, enabling him to open Il Giornale, an Italian-style espresso bar.
Later, Schultz bought Starbucks’ retail business from its former management, merging his Italian café concept with Starbucks’ existing coffee operations. Although he faced numerous obstacles during Starbucks’ expansion, his commitment to quality and customer experience paid off, turning Starbucks into a global icon. Schultz’s story underscores the importance of perseverance and steady effort in overcoming adversity.
Viewing Adversity as an Opportunity for Growth
When faced with hardship, it’s natural to see it as an unfortunate event. However, rather than resigning oneself to despair, reframing adversity as an opportunity for growth can unlock the strength needed to overcome it. While no one can truly know the thoughts that motivated Fuchai and Goujian as they pursued their goals, their stories show how they turned adversity into fuel for remarkable achievements. This illustrates how the way we respond to challenges can significantly shape the outcomes of our future.
A modern example is Elon Musk. In 2008, during a global financial crisis, Tesla and SpaceX—both led by Musk—faced severe financial difficulties. Many would have deemed it a terrible time to expand new ventures.
Yet Musk saw the crisis as a chance to shape the future. He made the bold decision to pour nearly all his remaining funds into keeping both companies afloat. This risk paid off, with Tesla revolutionizing the electric vehicle market and SpaceX pioneering private space exploration. Musk’s success demonstrates how viewing adversity as a growth opportunity can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
By adopting a growth mindset, we can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.
Conclusion
For me, Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) is a beloved classic that I’ve read and re-read countless times. Among its many tales, the episode of "Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting Gall" holds a particularly special place in my heart, which is why I chose to share it with you today. One of the key lessons I’ve learned from this story is the importance of not being swayed by external circumstances, but instead focusing on the inner strength needed to persevere and keep striving forward.
When faced with adversity, it’s easy to view it as a misfortune or calamity inflicted upon us. However, in reality, such challenges may not stem solely from external factors—they can often be overcome by adjusting our mindset and inner resolve. Moreover, if we harness adversity effectively, it can be transformed into a valuable opportunity for growth. The lesson this episode imparts is that the meaning we assign to challenges—and how we choose to respond to them—can turn even the hardest times into opportunities for self-improvement.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you found it insightful!
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