Yan was wise in his day;
Rong knew to go his way.
But Yan did not live long,
Rong was poor all along.
They had posthumous fame.
What's the use of vain name?
Did they know after death
How to enjoy their breath?
Value your body high!
It's no use when you die.
Better buried unclad,
If people felt less sad.
Original Poem
「饮酒· 其十一」
陶渊明
颜生称为仁，荣公言有道。
屡空不获年，长饥至于老。
虽留身后名，一生亦枯槁。
死去何所知，称心固为好。
客养千金躯，临化消其宝。
裸葬何必恶，人当解意表。
Interpretation
Composed during the transition between Jin and Song dynasties, this eleventh poem in Tao Yuanming's "Twenty Poems on Drinking" series reflects the poet's profound meditations on life after retiring to rural seclusion. Having witnessed the turbulence of officialdom and chaotic times, Tao develops a unique perspective on fame, wellness, and mortality, embodying his philosophical outlook of "enlightened living" and "returning to authenticity."
First Couplet: "颜生称为仁，荣公言有道。"
Yán shēng chēng wéi rén, Róng gōng yán yǒu dào.
Yan Hui was called benevolent; Rong Qiqi deemed enlightened.
The poet introduces two ancient paragons of virtue, establishing a framework to examine the relationship between reputation and reality, life and death.
Second Couplet: "屡空不获年，长饥至于老。"
Lǚ kōng bù huò nián, cháng jī zhì yú lǎo.
In constant poverty they died untimely; perpetual hunger marked their aging years.
This stark portrayal of virtuous men's harsh fates challenges conventional moral assumptions, questioning whether virtue guarantees earthly rewards.
Third Couplet: "虽留身后名，一生亦枯槁。"
Suī liú shēn hòu míng, yīshēng yì kūgǎo.
Though leaving posthumous fame, their lives remained withered and worn.
The couplet reveals Tao's sober realization that even enduring fame cannot compensate for a life of suffering, demonstrating his characteristic clarity and detachment.
Fourth Couplet: "死去何所知，称心固为好。"
Sǐ qù hé suǒ zhī, chènxīn gù wéi hǎo.
The dead know nothing—contentment in life alone holds value.
With philosophical directness, Tao asserts the primacy of present fulfillment over posthumous reputation, establishing his existential priorities.
Fifth Couplet: "客养千金躯，临化消其宝。"
Kè yǎng qiānjīn qū, lín huà xiāo qí bǎo.
Men cherish their bodies as priceless treasures, yet death reduces all to nothing.
The poet critiques excessive bodily preservation, recognizing life's transient nature and the futility of material attachments.
Sixth Couplet: "裸葬何必恶，人当解意表。"
Luǒ zàng hé bì è, rén dāng jiě yì biǎo.
Why scorn naked burial? One should transcend superficial concerns.
In this radical conclusion, Tao advocates complete liberation from worldly conventions, proposing "returning to nature" as the ultimate philosophical resolution.
Holistic Appreciation
Through examining the lives of Yan Hui and Rong Qiqi, the poem systematically deconstructs traditional values of virtue, fame and longevity. Tao's unflinching honesty reveals a worldview where "contentment in life" outweighs posthumous glory, and where natural simplicity trumps artificial preservation. The work's power stems from its progressive logic—moving from historical examples to universal truths, each couplet dismantling another societal illusion until reaching the startling yet inevitable conclusion of "naked burial." This philosophical journey demonstrates Tao's rare combination of clear-eyed realism and transcendental wisdom.
Artistic Merits
The poem exemplifies Tao's fusion of philosophical discourse with poetic expression. Historical allusions serve as springboards for existential inquiry, while plain language conveys profound insights. The parallel structure creates rhythmic momentum, with each couplet advancing the argument through concrete examples and logical progression. Particularly remarkable is Tao's ability to transform shocking concepts ("naked burial") into philosophically resonant conclusions, demonstrating his mastery of using visceral imagery to embody abstract principles.
Insights
This work challenges fundamental assumptions about life's purpose and value. Tao questions: Why pursue virtue if it brings no reward? Why crave longevity when death is inevitable? Why preserve the body when consciousness ceases? His answers propose an alternative wisdom—that true fulfillment comes from present contentment and spiritual liberation rather than external validation or physical preservation. The poem's enduring relevance lies in its invitation to examine our own values: What constitutes a meaningful life? How should we face mortality? In our modern age of obsessive self-optimization and legacy-building, Tao's radical simplicity remains profoundly subversive.
Poem translator
Xu Yuanchong (许渊冲)
About the poet
Tao Yuanming(陶渊明), 365 – 427 CE, was a poet, literary figure, fu writer, and essayist active during the late Eastern Jin and early Liu Song dynasties. Born in Chaisang (near present-day Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province), he pioneered a new genre of pastoral-themed literature, expressing profound philosophical insights through simple language. His poetic style became an enduring aesthetic standard in classical Chinese poetry.
