155 Having Gained Long, Still Coveting Shu
The meaning of "Having Gained Long, Still Coveting Shu" is: having already gained Long, one still desires Shu. It serves as a metaphor for being insatiable and never content with what one has.
The idiom 'Having Gained Long, Still Coveting Shu' has deep historical roots, centering on a general who, despite his conquest of Long (Gansu), was not satisfied. His ambition leads him to target Shu (Sichuan), showing how desire can eclipse gratitude and lead to downfall. An elder's wise counsel to proceed carefully fell on deaf ears as the general rushed into battle, ultimately resulting in defeat. This reflects a crucial life lesson about the dangers of overreaching and the value of contentment. Instead of continuously striving for more, the general's later decisions to focus on developing Long—improving irrigation and agriculture—illustrated the importance of nurturing existing successes. Ultimately, this idiom serves as a cautionary tale about greed and the need to appreciate what one has, resonating with anyone who has felt the urge to chase after unattainable desires. Recognizing the metaphor in this story encourages a more balanced approach to ambition and goals in our lives.