The allusion of the snake swallowing the elephant when the human heart is deficient originates from traditional Chinese culture. It comes from Zhuangzi’s Chapter on Foreign Objects.

The origin of the allusion about the snake swallowing the elephant when the human heart is deficient can be summarized as follows:

From Zhuangzi Foreign Things: This allusion was first seen in the work Zhuangzi·Waiwu by the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi. Things. Zhuangzi, a representative figure of the Chinese Taoist school, expounded philosophical ideas in the form of allegories and metaphors, including this allusion.

About greed and desire: This allusion uses the story of a snake trying to swallow an eagle, implying that human desires are sometimes too greedy and pursue overly large goals and ambitions. It warns people to think rationally, be content with what they have, and avoid excessive greed and unrealistic desires.

Emphasis on reality and ability: The snake cannot swallow a huge creature like an eagle because of its own abilities and conditions. This reminds people to recognize their own abilities, conditions and reality, not to pursue goals beyond their capabilities, and to avoid blind and unrealistic pursuits.

Encourage contentment and happiness: This allusion also emphasizes the importance of contentment and happiness. It teaches people to restrain themselves, to be satisfied with the status quo, to avoid greed and not to pursue excessive material and power expansion, but to cherish the life in front of them and what they have, so as to gain inner peace and satisfaction.

The moral of the allusion

1. Rational thinking: The snake cannot swallow the eagle because of its ability and condition limitations. This allusion reminds people to think rationally, recognize their own abilities and reality, and not to blindly pursue unrealistic goals.

2. Restrain yourself: The snake wants to devour the eagle, which is a manifestation of human greed and desire. This allusion warns people to restrain themselves and not to be overly greedy and ambitious, lest they fall into an unachievable situation.

3. Warning about the weak heart: The weak heart refers to people’s inner desires that are endless. This allusion reminds people to be wary of their own desires, avoid greed and self-respect, so as not to cause harm to others or themselves.