Ancient Chinese Fables

In ancient Chinese literature we find many fables. They have lived on for hundreds of years in men's hearts and, constantly on their lips, have become a precious part of our national heritage.

The golden age of Chinese fables was during the third and the fourth century B.C.
This was the era in Chinese history usually known as the Warring States Period, when society was undergoing rapid changes. Influenced by the spirit of the age, many different schools of thought fiourished, resulting in great advances in culture and philosophy. The heritage of the past was studied, summarized, and recorded for posterity, and in these records some of the best and oldest fables were preserved.

Many works dating from the Warring States Period embody fables, outstanding examples being Lieh Tzu, Chuang Tzu, Mencius, Yin Wen Tzu, Han Fei Tzu, The Discourses of Lü Pu-wei and the Warring States Anecdotes.

During that period, fables proved extremely useful weapons in debate. Outstanding philosophers, politicians, or orators who wished to realize their ideals by political means were expert in using them...