To be discerning and principled in matters of great importance, showing clarity of mind and firm judgment on crucial issues, even if one may appear unconcerned with minor details.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Northern Song Dynasty, Lu Duan, a Censorate official, handled matters impartially and clearly distinguished right from wrong. He was humble and cautious, and Emperor Taizong of Song trusted him greatly, although his reputation was slightly below that of Kou Zhun.
Emperor Taizong was dissatisfied with the then Prime Minister Lu Mengzheng and wanted Lu Duan to replace him, so he sought opinions from his ministers. Some ministers commented that Lu Duan seemed muddled.
Emperor Taizong, however, remarked that Lu Duan was muddled in small matters, but clear-headed in important ones (大事不糊涂).