◎ Mencius
Bai Gui was the prime minister of the State Wei in the Warring States Period (475 BC-221 BC).
One day, he told Mencius, “I am very famous for controlling floods, and stronger than Da Yu (a Chinese ancient hero who was famous for flood control).”
Mencius replied, “You’re boasting. Da Yu controlled floods in line with the rule of water flow, and led floods into the ocean. In other words, Da Yu diverted floods into the oceans. However, you just raise the dams to make water flow into the neighboring states. Once water flows back, it will flood. Such flood control method is despised by the decent people. Your practice is really disgraceful!”
