To steel oneself for future struggle by enduring self-imposed hardships and working diligently; to suffer patiently and diligently in order to achieve an objective, often to avenge a past humiliation or recover from a defeat.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, a war broke out between the states of Wu and Yue. The state of Yue was defeated by Wu, and its king, Goujian, was captured by Fuchai, the King of Wu.
Later, King Fuchai released Goujian, allowing him to return to Kuaiji, the capital of Yue. Once back, Goujian hung a bitter gall bladder above his sleeping place. At night, he lay on brushwood, facing the gall bladder, and during meals, he would taste the bitter gall every day. He constantly reminded himself, "Have you forgotten the humiliation of the great defeat at Kuaiji?"
In this way, Goujian shared hardships with his people. After ten years of developing production and accumulating strength, followed by another ten years of rigorous military training, he finally defeated Fuchai and destroyed the state of Wu in 473 BC.