To act in a way that is contrary to one's stated purpose or goal; to take actions that lead away from the intended objective.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, King An of Wei decided to attack Handan, the capital of Zhao. Many ministers opposed his plan.
A minister named Ji Liang told the king a story: There was a man from Mount Taihang who prepared to travel to the State of Chu in the south. However, he insisted on driving his carriage north. The further he went, the further he was from Chu.
Ji Liang then explained that gaining supremacy was not about winning battles, but about winning the hearts of the people. Fighting a war would be like the man driving north to reach Chu, moving further from the true goal.
After hearing this, King An of Wei decided not to attack Zhao.