Wong Tai Sin Sign 82孔子在衛Confucius in Wei
The stick places you in the room with Confucius at Wei, striking his chime stones at home while the court ignores him and a passing woodcutter, of all people, hears the music for what it is.
Unemployed and idle, Confucius played at home his chime stone.
A woodcutter passed by and exclaimed with a saddening tone, "This is the very man who can this drowsing world save, Yet he is disabled by age, time's invincible wave."
Confucius in Wei
This sign references a difficult period in Confucius's life when he lived in the state of Wei around 500 BCE. Despite being China's greatest philosopher, Confucius spent years unemployed and politically sidelined. The poem depicts him playing his chime stones at home while a passing woodcutter recognizes his wisdom but laments that age and circumstances prevent him from saving the world. Wei was ruled by Duke Ling, whose court was plagued by scandal and corruption. Confucius hoped to advise the ruler but was largely ignored, reduced to teaching a small circle of disciples while watching his ideals go unrealized. The woodcutter represents the common people who could see Confucius's value even when those in power couldn't. This story embodies the frustration of having wisdom or skills that remain unrecognized or unused due to circumstances beyond your control.
Seven Short Readings
- CareerThe image at the heart of this stick is Confucius in Wei, sitting at home, striking his chime stone while a woodcutter walks past and sighs that the one person who could steady the age is the one the age has set aside.READ
- WealthSkill outpaces payoff this year. Don't spend to feel visible — the treasury fills slowly.READ
- LoveStick 82 places you beside Confucius at Wei, sixty-something and politically shelved, choosing to play the chime stone in a courtyard while the rulers outside sharpen swords.READ
- HealthYour health situation mirrors Confucius playing his stone chimes — you have knowledge and good intentions, but results aren't matching your efforts right now.READ
- StudyYour current study situation mirrors Confucius in Wei — you have knowledge and capability, but external circumstances aren't aligning perfectly with your efforts.READ
- FamilyYour family situation mirrors Confucius's predicament — you have good intentions and valuable insights, but you're hitting walls when trying to implement change or solve problems.READ
- The whole situationThe stick places you in the room with Confucius at Wei, striking his chime stones at home while the court ignores him and a passing woodcutter, of all people, hears the music for what it is.READ
More Signs
Other Average signs
Browse all 100 signs