Mathematic's Wisdom

Yan Hui was the beloved disciple of Confucius who likes to learn, good nature. One day when Yan Hui was on duty, he saw many people at fabric store. He approached and found buyers and sellers of cloth were arguing.

Buyer shouted: "3 × 8 = 23, why did you say it was 24?

"Yan Hui approached the buyers of cloth and said:" Buddy, 3 × 8 = 24, it is undebatable. "

Fabric buyer is not happy and said to  Yan Hui: "Who asked your opinion?If I need an opinion i will ask Confucius. We will know it's true or false if we ask Confucius. "

Yan Hui: "Well, if Confucius says you're wrong, and then what?"

Buyer : "If Confucius says I'm wrong, I will cut my head for you. But if you are wrong? "

Yan Hui: "If I am wrong, I will give my title to you."

Both agreed to bet, then went in search of Confucius. After Confucius know what the problem, Confucius said to Yan Hui while laughing: "3 × 8 = 23. Yan Hui, you lose. Give your job to him." Yan Hui would not argue with the teacher. When he heard Confucius says he is wrong, then he lowered his hat and give it to the buyers.

The man took the hat and went with a big smile on his face. Even Yan Hui received  Confucius assessment but his heart did not agree.He felt Confucius already old and senile, so he no longer wants to learn from him. Yan Hui asked for leave of absence by reason of family affairs. Confucius knew the contents of Yan Hui's heart and gave him permission. Before leaving, Yan Hui  asked Confucius a farewell and Confucius want him to come back quickly after his business done, and give two advice Yan Hui: "When there's rain, do not take shelter under a tree."

Yan Hui said okay and went home.

On the way home, suddenly strong winds accompanied by lightning came. It means there'll be rain coming.  Yan Hui wanted to take shelter under a tree but suddenly he remembered the advice of Confucius and he thought to obey the teacher's words once again. He left the tree. Not long ago he left, lightning struck and destroyed the tree. Yan Hui was surprised, and he rushing go back to meet his master.


On the next day, Yan Hui back to Confucius, knelt and said: "Master, how do teachers know what will happen?"

Confucius said: "Yesterday, the day is very hot, I forecast there will be much lightning, so I remind you not to take shelter under a tree.".

Yan Hui said: "Master, you have a keen insight, students are very impressed."

Confucius said: "I know you asked for leave of absence is not due to family affairs. You do not want to learn more from me. Because, yesterday teachers say 3 × 8 = 23 is true, you lose and lose your job. But if teachers say 3 × 8 = 24 is correct, the buyer will lose and that means he's going to lose his life. You think your job is more important or losing a life is more important? "

Yan Hui aware of his mistake and said: "Teachers are more concerned with the major, students would have thought the teacher was old and senile. Pupils really embarrassed. "

Since then, wherever Confucius went Yan Hui always followed.

This story reminds us:

Even if I bet and win the whole world, but I'm losing you, what it means.

In other words, you bet to win what you think is the truth, but instead lost something more precious.

There are levels of importance. Do not bet to the point of death for the principle of truth, but eventually yoou felling sorry, it's too late.

Many things actually do not need to be at stake. Took a step back, it is for everyone's good.

Adamant against the customer. We won, but actually lost as well.

Insisting against superiors. We won, but actually lost as well.

Adamant against the husband. We won, but actually lost as well.

Insisting against friends. We won, but it also loses

Victory is not about a medal, but first is the triumph of one self and what more important is victory in heart.