Cao refers to all kinds of herbs, including grass and weeds. Green grasses and weeds are symbols of strong love and tenacious vitality. In certain cases, they also symbolize fine virtues and reflections on past history.

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君子之德风，小人之德草，草上之风, 必偃。
jūnzĭ zhī dé fēng, xiăorén zhī dé căo, căoshàng zhī fēng, bì yăn

Junzi refers to virtuous persons while xiaoren refers to the unvirtuous. De means “virtue.” Feng means “wind” while cao means “grass” or “weed.” Yan means “to bend, to lie down.” Taken literally, this saying means that the essence of a virtuous person is that of wind while the essence of an unvirtuous person is that of weeds. When the wind passes over the weeds, the weeds have no other choice but to bend.

This teaching originates from the Analects. Jikang asked Confucius about governance, saying “Suppose I were to slay those who did not adhere to the Way in order to help those who do, what would you think of it?” Confucius replied, “You are there to rule, not to slay. If you desire what is good, the people will at once be good. The essence of a virtuous person is like that of wind while the essence of an unvirtuous person is that of weeds. When the wind passes over the weeds, the weeds have no other choice but to bend.”

This idiom is used to say that virtuous behaviors have far more powerful and persistent influence than unvirtuous ones. The masses will follow the exemplars of fine virtues just like the weeds will bend when the wind blows.

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疾风知劲草
jífēng zhī jìngcăo

Ji means “swift” or “vigorous.” Feng means “wind.” Zhi means “to tell, to reveal.” Jingcao means “strong weeds or grasses.” This idiom, taken literally, means that the force of a strong wind will test the strength of the grass.

This idiom is used to say that the strength of one’s true character is tested or revealed in time of adversity just as the strong winds will prove the sturdiness of the grass and weed. 

 

(edited by CHEN ALONG)