死有重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛
Sǐ yǒu zhòng yú Tài Shān, huò qīng yú hóng máo
"Death may be heavier than Mount Tai, or lighter than a goose feather"
Character Analysis
Death (死) has (有) heavier than (重于) Mount Tai (泰山), or (或) lighter than (轻于) goose feather (鸿毛). Mount Tai is China's most sacred mountain, symbolizing immense weight and significance.
Meaning & Significance
This profound proverb teaches that the meaning of death depends on how one lives and dies. A death in service of a noble cause carries immense weight and is remembered forever, while a meaningless death is as light as a feather—forgotten quickly.
This profound meditation on mortality comes from Sima Qian (司马迁), the great Han Dynasty historian often called the “Herodotus of China.” He wrote these words in his famous “Letter to Ren An” while choosing to endure humiliation rather than commit suicide.
The Original Context
Sima Qian wrote:
人固有一死，死有重于泰山，或轻于鸿毛，用之所趋异也。
“All people must die; some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a goose feather—the difference lies in how they are used.”
Sima Qian had been sentenced to castration (a fate worse than death) but chose to live to complete his life’s work, the Records of the Grand Historian (史记).
Historical Significance
This saying has inspired countless Chinese patriots and martyrs throughout history. It suggests that:
- Meaningful sacrifice: Dying for a righteous cause gives death weight
- Wasted life: Dying without purpose makes death meaningless
- Choice matters: We have some control over the significance of our death through how we live
Cultural Impact
The proverb has been quoted by:
- Revolutionary martyrs choosing to die for their cause
- Soldiers going into battle
- Anyone facing difficult choices between comfort and principle
Related Sayings
- 舍生取义 (Shě shēng qǔ yì) - “Sacrifice life for righteousness”
- 杀身成仁 (Shā shēn chéng rén) - “Die to achieve benevolence”