不拘一格 — “Not limited to one pattern, rule, or style”

Gong Zizhen, a prominent thinker and writer of the Qing Dynasty, was born in 1792 in Renhe, Zhejiang (present-day Hangzhou) to a bureaucratic family. He developed a strong passion for reading and poetry from a young age. By 14, he was composing poems, by 18, he was writing lyrics, and by 20, he had already become a renowned poet. His poetry was characterized by rich imagination, vibrant language, and a romantic style. He used his works to expose the darkness and corruption of the Qing dynasty, advocating for reform, supporting the anti-opium movement, and opposing aggression and compromise, all imbued with fervent patriotism.

Gong Zizhen became a Juren at 27 and a Jinshi at 38, serving as an official for about 20 years in the Qing government. However, his dissatisfaction with the rampant corruption and darkness in officialdom led to constant marginalization and suppression. In 1839, at the age of 48, he resolutely resigned from his post and returned to his hometown. During his journey home, he was deeply moved by the magnificent landscapes of his homeland and the suffering of its people. This emotional experience prompted him to spontaneously write numerous poems.

One day, while passing through Zhenjiang, Gong Zizhen observed a bustling street filled with people. Upon inquiry, he learned that a local god-worshipping festival was taking place, with people devoutly offering sacrifices to celestial deities like the Jade Emperor, the God of Wind, and the God of Thunder. Suddenly, someone recognized Gong Zizhen. Hearing that the contemporary literary master was present, a Taoist priest quickly approached him, earnestly requesting that Gong Zizhen compose a sacrificial ode for the gods.

Without hesitation, Gong Zizhen immediately penned the poem titled “The vitality of Kyushu relies on wind and thunder,” a four-line verse that reads: “The vitality of Kyushu relies on wind and thunder; All horses are muted, which is truly lamentable; I urge the Lord of Heaven to rouse himself anew, And send down talents without sticking to one pattern.” In this poem, “Kyushu” serves as a metaphor for all of China. The essence of the poem is that for China to regain its vitality, it must rely on social reforms as swift and powerful as wind and thunder. He laments the oppressive silence that has fallen upon the people, urging heaven to abandon rigid conventions and send down capable individuals to the human world.

Later, the phrase “不拘一格” (bù jū yī gé), meaning “not stick to one pattern/rule,” was distilled from “不拘一格降人才” to describe not being confined to a single standard or method. The idiom “万马齐喑” (wàn mǎ qí yīn), meaning “all horses are muted,” also originates from this poem, metaphorically describing a stifling and stagnant atmosphere.