Unprecedented; unmatched in history; having no predecessor.
Era:
Early Modern
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Story:
The idiom '前无古人' originates from a famous poem by Chen Zi'ang, a renowned literary figure of the Tang Dynasty.
Chen Zi'ang, who was admired by Empress Wu Zetian and served as a military advisor, faced ostracism from General Wu Youyi. During his time in the Yan region, he ascended the ancient Youzhou Terrace. Reflecting on the wise King Zhao of Yan and his valued general Yue Yi, Chen Zi'ang felt a profound sense of isolation.
He then composed the poignant poem: '前不见古人，后不见来者。念天地之悠悠，独怅然而涕下。' This translates to: 'I do not see the ancients before me, nor those who will come after me. Pondering the vastness of heaven and earth, I am left alone, sorrowful, with tears falling.'
The phrase '前不见古人' (literally 'do not see the ancients before') later evolved into the idiom '前无古人', signifying something unprecedented or unmatched in history.