Idiom Explanation:
It describes a calm and collected person who is not in a panic when things are going on.
Pronunciation:
从容不迫
cóng róng bù pò
Origin:
《诗经·小雅·都人士序》：“古者长民，衣服不贰，从容有常，以齐其民，则民德归壹。”
Story:
During the Warring States period, there were two great philosophers, Zhuangzi and Huizi, who were very good friends. One day, with a beautiful breeze, Zhuangzi and Huizi went for a walk along the river. They walked and chatted very happily, and before they knew it, they came to a bridge and were immediately attracted by the fish in the clear river water in front of them.
The two of them watched the bridge for a long time, and suddenly Zhuangzi blurted out, “Ah, look, how relaxed the fish are in the water! How happy they look!”
Huizi, always fond of debate, immediately objected, “You are not a fish, so how do you know that the fish are happy now?” Not to be outdone, Zhuangzi retorted, “You are not me, so how can you conclude that I do not know that they are happy now?”
Huizi quickly replied, “According to what you said, I am not you, so of course I cannot know whether you are happy or sad. Likewise, you are not a fish, so of course you cannot know whether the fish are happy or unhappy.”
Zhuangzi did not panic and said, “Let’s start from the beginning. Just now you asked me how I know that the fish is happy, which means you know that I know that the fish is happy before you ask me. Now I tell you, I know it entirely from my own feelings. I am standing on this bridge with you watching the fish, relaxed, so happy. And look at the fish, they are playing freely in the water, watching us both with ease, of course, they should also feel very happy.”
Similar Idioms:
- 处之泰然
- 不慌不忙
