Unable to see one's own shortcomings or immediate problems, just as the eye cannot see its own lashes; lacking self-awareness or failing to notice what's close at hand while focusing on distant matters.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, King Zhuang of Chu planned to take advantage of the internal strife in the state of Yue to attack and occupy it.
Du Zi, upon hearing this, went to see King Zhuang and said, "Human wisdom is often like the human eye; it can see things a hundred paces away, but cannot see its own lashes."
"The state of Chu has previously been defeated by Qin and Jin, and its own domestic situation is unstable. At this time, to launch an attack on Yue is like the eye being unable to see its own lashes."