To forget one's origins or roots; to be ignorant of one's heritage or history.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
The idiom 'Shǔ Diǎn Wàng Zǔ' originates from the 'Zuo Zhuan' (Commentary of Zuo), a historical commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals. During the Spring and Autumn period, Ji Tan, a high-ranking official from the State of Jin, was sent as an envoy to the Zhou court.
At a banquet, King Jing of Zhou asked Ji Tan why Jin had not presented any tribute. Ji Tan replied that Jin had never received any rewards or grants from the Zhou royal family, implying there was no reason to offer tribute.
King Jing then proceeded to list various historical records and precedents where the Zhou royal family had bestowed gifts and honors upon the State of Jin, including the appointment of Ji Tan's ancestors as record-keepers for historical documents and ceremonies.
The King then sternly questioned Ji Tan, asking how he, as a descendant of such an esteemed family responsible for preserving historical records, could 'enumerate the classics but forget his own ancestors' duties and the historical facts.' This phrase, '數典忘其祖' (shǔ diǎn wàng qí zǔ), was later shortened to '數典忘祖' and became an idiom.
It is used to describe someone who forgets their origins or fundamental principles, or is ignorant of their own heritage and history, often implying a dismissive or ungrateful attitude.