To imitate others poorly, resulting in not only failing to master the new skill but also forgetting one's original abilities; to lose one's own identity or strengths by blindly copying others.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, the people of Handan, the capital of the Zhao state, were renowned for their elegant and graceful walking style, which was widely admired by outsiders.
A young man from Shouling, a place in the Yan state, was particularly captivated by the Handan people's gait. He decided to travel all the way to Handan specifically to learn it.
He observed, imitated, and practiced with great dedication. However, after a period of intense effort, he not only failed to master their sophisticated walking style but ironically, he even forgot how to walk normally and could only crawl.