To demonstrate great sincerity and eagerness in seeking and attracting talented individuals, often by starting with a gesture of respect or appreciation for even a seemingly less significant contribution, thereby encouraging more capable people to come forward.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, after King Zhao of Yan ascended to the throne, he was eager to strengthen his kingdom by recruiting talented individuals.
Guo Wei advised him, using an analogy of a swift horse. He told the king that an ancient monarch once offered a thousand gold pieces to buy a swift horse. Three years passed, and he only managed to acquire a dead swift horse. However, the monarch still bought its bones for five hundred gold pieces. As a result, within less than a year, three living swift horses were brought to him.
Guo Wei used this story to persuade King Zhao that if he could sincerely seek and value worthy individuals, talented scholars would come from far and wide.