wàng妄zì自fěi菲bó薄
To undervalue oneself; to improperly belittle oneself; to be excessively modest or self-effacing.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, after Liu Bei's death, Zhuge Liang assisted Liu Shan in reviving the Han dynasty. He exerted all his efforts to plan the northern expeditions against Cao Wei.
Liu Shan, however, lacked ambition and governing ability, which deeply worried Zhuge Liang.
On the eve of his departure for the expedition, Zhuge Liang wrote 'Chu Shi Biao' (Memorial on Going to War). In it, he urged Liu Shan to ensure that all officials remembered the late emperor's kindness, to strive for self-improvement, and not to unduly humble himself.