Unprecedented; peerless; feeling profoundly alone in one's unique predicament or unmatched talent, often with a sense of melancholy for lack of kindred spirits or successors.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Tang Dynasty, Chen Zi'ang, a highly talented and renowned literary figure, gained the appreciation of Empress Wu Zetian, who appointed him as a military advisor. However, he faced ostracism from General Wu Youyi.
While stationed in the Yan region, he climbed the ancient Youzhou Terrace. As he gazed upon the vast landscape, he recalled the story of King Zhao of Yan, who in ancient times eagerly sought and valued talented generals like Yue Yi.
Overwhelmed by a sense of being misunderstood and ahead of his time, and lamenting the lack of wise rulers who truly appreciated talent in his era, he penned the famous lines: 'Before me, no ancients are seen; behind me, no successors are seen. I think of the vastness of heaven and earth, and my heart aches with melancholy, tears falling.'