鸱得腐鼠
Chī dé fǔ shǔ
Owl Gets a Rotten Rat
原文Original Text
「夫鵷雏发于南海,而飞于北海,非梧桐不止,非练实不食,非醴泉不饮。于是鸱得腐鼠,鵷雏过之,仰而视之曰:『吓!』」
——《庄子·秋水》 — Zhuangzi, Autumn Floods (Qiushui)

释义Annotation

「鸱得腐鼠」出自《庄子·秋水》篇,是庄子的著名寓言之一。故事讲的是:凤凰(鵷雏)从南海飞往北海,只在梧桐树上栖息,只吃竹米,只饮甘泉。一只猫头鹰(鸱)偶然得到一只腐烂的死鼠,正巧凤凰从它头顶飞过,猫头鹰担心凤凰会来抢它的腐鼠,便仰头发出"吓"的声音来驱赶凤凰。

这个寓言深刻揭示了小人的以小人之心度君子之腹。那些贪恋权位、利禄之人,总以为别人也和他们一样贪图这些世俗之物,殊不知在真正追求高远志向的人眼中,这些东西不过是腐臭的死鼠一般,毫无价值可言。

庄子借这个寓言表达了他对世俗名利的蔑视。在道家看来,世俗人苦苦追逐的高官厚禄、荣华富贵,不过是腐鼠而已,不值得真正有志向的人为之动心或争斗。

"Chi de fu shu" comes from the "Autumn Floods" chapter of Zhuangzi, one of his most famous parables. The story: The phoenix (yuan chu) flies from the South Sea to the North Sea, resting only on the wutong tree, eating only bamboo seeds, and drinking only sweet spring water. An owl (chi), having happened upon a rotten rat, saw the phoenix fly overhead and, fearing the phoenix might steal its prize, hissed and flapped to drive it away.

This parable reveals the pettiness of those who measure others by their own small ambitions. Those who greedily covet power and wealth always assume others are equally attached to worldly pursuits—unaware that to those who seek higher purposes, these things are merely as worthless as a rotten rat.

Zhuangzi uses this parable to express his contempt for worldly fame and fortune. In the Taoist view, the high offices, wealth, and glory that worldly people frantically pursue are nothing but rotten rats—not worth the attention or struggle of those with truly noble aspirations.

当代启示Modern Application

在现代社会,「鸱得腐鼠」的寓言仍然具有深刻的启示意义。有些人把持着一点小小的权力或利益,就担心别人会来争夺,把每个人都当成潜在的威胁。这种心态不仅狭隘可笑,更会让人际关系变得紧张对立。

真正有格局、有境界的人,不会为蝇头小利所动。他们追求的是更高远的目标——无论是个人成长、事业成就还是社会贡献。相反,那些整天为了一点小利勾心斗角的人,在别人眼中不过是"鸱得腐鼠"的笑话。

庄子的智慧提醒我们:不要把别人都想得和自己一样贪图小利,要有更宽广的胸怀和更高远的追求。真正的君子,当如凤凰高翔,不与鸱鸮争腐鼠。

In modern society, the "Chi de fu shu" parable retains profound significance. Some people, holding onto a tiny bit of power or profit, worry others will come to seize it, seeing everyone as a potential threat. This mindset is not only narrow and ridiculous but also creates tension and confrontation in relationships.

Truly broad-minded people are not moved by petty gains. They pursue higher purposes—whether personal growth, career achievement, or social contribution. Conversely, those who constantly scheme for small benefits are, in others' eyes, merely the laughingstock of "an owl guarding its rotten rat."

Zhuangzi's wisdom reminds us: don't assume others are as greedy for small gains as yourself. Have a broader heart and higher aspirations. A true person of noble character should soar like the phoenix, not compete with owls for rotten rats.