Chinese Idiom Stories for Software Professionals: #33 Easier Said Than Done 谈何容易

"Talk How Easy"

The Story

Mr Feiyou served as an official in the state of Wu for three years, remaining silent and never expressing any political opinions. The king of Wu was very curious and said to him, “If you have brilliant insights but keep them to yourself, it shows disloyalty. If you speak up and I don't accept them, it means I lack understanding. You never express any opinions; could it be that I lack understanding?”

Mr Feiyou only bowed repeatedly, still not saying a word.

The king of Wu said, “You may speak now, I will sincerely listen.”

With a sigh, Mr Feiyou said, “Is it really okay? Is it really okay? It is so difficult to offer advice to the king!" Then, he gave examples, saying, "During the Xia Dynasty, the virtuous minister Guan Longfeng repeatedly spoke directly to King Xia Jie, but he was killed. In the Shang Dynasty, the loyal minister Bi Gan repeatedly advised King Zhou, but he was cruelly executed. Looking at it this way, it is indeed not easy to offer counsel to their rulers!"

Mr Feiyou also mentioned some wicked ministers who gained success through flattery and sycophancy.

The Meaning

The original meaning of the story, “Talk (to the king) is not easy”, gradually evolves into “Not Easy” or “Talking is easy, doing is hard”.

The Chinese idiom I like is comparable to the English idiom "Be Easier Said Than Done," which is widely known. No further explanation is needed. However, the special aspect of this Chinese idiom (which I discovered on my own in my 40s) is what I appreciate about it.

Dividing the idiom (Chinese words) and providing a literal translation for each section in English, reveals a similar meaning with more perspectives.

Examples in Software Development

The popular idiom can be used in any field.

Here, I will share a couple of true stories I experienced.

1. Exposing a Fake Senior Automated Tester

At one company, a newly-joined tester D of another division came to me for help, and I did. I sent him all my test scripts, including the tutorial ones, along with some materials, and also answered a few questions by email or in person. He thanked me repeatedly.

One day, the test lead of that division invited me for a meeting to discuss test automation before my leaving. This tester D was in the meeting room, and somehow, I found he was nervous. Soon, I knew the reason. When his team leader asked him some questions, he told lies, such as not being aware of my test scripts (which I sent him and answered his questions on that). The mentee, who came to the meeting with me, was furious because she witnessed all my help to D.

I decided to give this fake tester, talker, and liar a lesson.