The Allusion of "The Lofty Ambition of a Swan": Life Begins with Setting a Grand Ideal
[Source] Lü Buwei's "Lüshi Chunqiu · Shi Rong" (Warring States period) and Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian: The Hereditary House of Chen She" (Western Han Dynasty).
[Explanation] "Honghu" refers to a swan, known for its loud call and high flight; "zhi" means ambition. The phrase describes the swan's lofty aspiration to soar high in the sky. It is a metaphor for people with great ambitions and lofty aspirations.
[Historical Allusion]
At the end of the Qin Dynasty, the rulers were corrupt and tyrannical, constantly exploiting the people. The common folk not only had to pay heavy taxes but also endure grueling corvée labor, living in dire misery. At that time, there was a man named Chen Sheng, styled She. Due to his impoverished family background, he had no choice but to work as a tenant farmer. He deeply understood the suffering of the lower classes and was deeply resentful of the severe wealth disparity in society. Thus, he secretly resolved to change this situation.
One day, while working in the fields alongside others, they took a break and began discussing their hard lives. After a long sigh of disappointment, Chen Sheng said to his companions, "If any of us ever becomes successful, let us not forget those who once suffered alongside us!" His companions thought he was being absurd and laughed, replying, "We're all hired farmers, not even owning our own land. How can we possibly talk about wealth and honor? Don't daydream!" Chen Sheng let out a long sigh and said, "How could swallows and sparrows understand the lofty ambition of a swan soaring through the sky?"
Chen Sheng, who harbored great ambitions, later rose in rebellion and became one of the leaders of the peasant uprising against the Qin Dynasty.
[Growing Insight]
Setting a grand ideal is the foundation of personal success. Schultz said, "Ideals are like stars in the sky; we are like sailors. Though we cannot reach the heavens, our voyage can be guided by them." Throughout history, those who have achieved great things have all held noble ideals. When King Fuchai of Wu conquered the state of Yue, King Goujian of Yue nurtured the ambition of restoring his kingdom. He slept on firewood and tasted gall, striving with determination, and ultimately defeated Wu. Our beloved Premier Zhou Enlai, in his youth, set the lofty goal of "studying to rejuvenate China." He pursued this goal throughout his life, fulfilling his aspirations. Let us set a grand ideal and move forward toward our distant goals!