Công danh chi nữa, ăn rồi ngũ
Definition
- Idiom (Literary/Proverbial Phrase):
- "What use is fame and rank? Just eat and then sleep.": A philosophical or cynical saying that dismisses the pursuit of official titles, social status, and worldly success as ultimately meaningless. It advocates for a simple, contented life focused on basic physical needs and peace of mind over ambition and struggle.
Origin and Cultural Context
- Literary Origin: The phrase originates from and is a direct quotation of a line in the classical Chinese poem "Tam Hiền Tán" (Ode to Three Worthies) by the renowned Song dynasty poet Tô Đông Pha (Su Dongpo/Su Shi). The poem praises Trương Hàn (Zhang Han), a historical figure known for foreseeing political turmoil and choosing to retire to a simple life by his hometown river, enjoying local delicacies like perch soup and water shield.
- Philosophical Meaning: It embodies a Daoist-influenced and poetic critique of Confucian striving for official "công danh" (merit and fame). The core idea is that worldly achievements are fleeting and troublesome ("phù thế" – floating/unstable world), while true wisdom and happiness lie in appreciating simple, immediate pleasures and maintaining personal peace.
Usage Examples
- Idiom:
- Sau bao năm bon chen, ông ấy chợt ngộ ra: "Công danh chi nữa, ăn rồi ngũ". (After years of striving, he suddenly realized: "What use is fame and rank? Just eat and then sleep.")
- Câu "Công danh chi nữa, ăn rồi ngũ" phản ánh tư tưởng thoát tục của một số nhà nho. (The phrase "What use is fame and rank? Just eat and then sleep" reflects the escapist philosophy of some Confucian scholars.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is almost exclusively used in reflective, literary, or rhetorical contexts to express disillusionment with social climbing, political ambition, or material pursuit. It is a summation of a worldview rather than a literal instruction.
Variants and Related Words
- Công danh (n): Merit, fame, and rank; official success and reputation. This is the central concept being rejected by the idiom.
- Phù thế công danh (n): The fame and rank of this fleeting/floating world. This is the full phrase from the original poem that the idiom condenses.
Synonyms (Conceptual)
- Rejecting worldly success: A turn away from ambition.
- Simple living philosophy: Advocacy for an uncomplicated life.
- Cynical view of ambition: A distrust of the value of striving for status.
Related Idioms and Concepts
- "Công thành danh toại": To achieve both success and fame; to have one's merits recognized. This is the direct opposite aspiration that the target idiom critiques.
- "An bần lạc đạo": To be content in poverty and delight in the Way; to find happiness in a simple, virtuous life. This shares the theme of finding contentment outside of material or social achievement.