Ivory Chopsticks for a Start

Ivory Chopsticks for a Start

In the ancient times Emperor Zhou of the Shang dynasty used chopsticks made of ivory. On observing this, Jizi, a respected minister, was filled with anxiety.

He reasoned thus: “ Ivory chopsticks would not be used with earthenware dishes. There would surely be wine cups made from rhinoceros’ horns and jade. Ivory chopsticks and jade cups would not go with simple fare. There would surely be delicacies such as the embryos of the yak, elephant and panther. One who tastes such delicacies would not wear clothes made of rough material or dwell in a thatched cottage. He would be clothed in layers of beautiful brocade and live in a mansion, big and imposing. I am afraid for his end. That is why the beginnings of luxurious living fill me with anxiety.”

After five years, the emperor built a garden where he hung slabs of meat, and set up copper grills, Grains from distilleries pilled up like hillocks and there was enough wine to fill pools. As a result of such extravagances, Emperor Zhou was overthrown.

中国古代寓言——纣为象箸

从前，纣王做了一双象牙筷子，箕子就感到恐惧不幸，他认为：“象牙筷子必定不能放到泥土烧成的碗里去，必然要使用犀牛角、玉石做成的杯。用着象牙筷子、玉石杯子，就必定不会吃豆子和豆叶汤，则必然要吃牦牛，大象和豹的幼胎；吃牦牛、大象和豹的幼胎，就一定不会穿着短小的粗布衣服，坐在茅草屋底下吃，必定要穿多层华美的锦衣，铸造高达壮观的宫室。我害怕如此的结局，所以恐惧这样的开始。”

过了五年，纣王建造了满是肉食的园子，设置了炮烙之刑，登上酒糟堆成的山丘，面对注满美酒的池子，于是纣因此而灭亡了。