To attempt the impossible or to challenge an overwhelmingly powerful opponent with inadequate strength, often resulting in certain failure; to be on a fool's errand.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom 'Yi Luan Ji Shi' (to strike a stone with an egg) originates from the ancient text 'Mozi: Honoring Righteousness'. One year, Mozi, the renowned philosopher, was traveling north to the State of Qi. On his journey, he encountered a man named Yue, who warned him, "You must not go north! Today, the Heavenly Emperor is slaying a black dragon in the north, and since your skin is dark, proceeding northward would be inauspicious for you!" Mozi, however, dismissed his words, saying, "I do not believe what you say!" and continued his journey north.
Not long after, Mozi returned because the Zi River had flooded, making it impossible to cross. The man, Yue, saw Mozi and triumphantly exclaimed, "What do you say now? Didn't I tell you not to go north? You've run into trouble, haven't you?"
Mozi smiled faintly and responded, "The Zi River has flooded, blocking travelers from both the north and the south. Among them are people with dark skin and people with light skin, yet none can cross. How do you explain that?" Yue stammered, unable to provide an answer.
Mozi continued, "If the Heavenly Emperor were to slay a green dragon in the east, a red dragon in the south, a white dragon in the west, and then a yellow dragon in the center, wouldn't everyone in the world be paralyzed and unable to move? Therefore, your lies cannot withstand the truth of my reasoning. It is like striking a stone with an egg; even if all the eggs under heaven were used, the stone would remain undamaged." Hearing this, Yue walked away in shame.