Jiang Ziya Goes Fishing
Huge Chinese Painting

Jiang Ziya fishes, and those who are willing will take the bait.

Jiāng Zi Yá Diào Yú Yuàn Zhě Shàng Gōu

The idiom "Jiang Ziya fishes, and those who are willing will take the bait" originates from an allusion in "The Story of King Wu's Conquest of Zhou." The original text reads, "Jiang Shang, following orders, fished in the Wei River with a straight hook, using no bait. He held it three feet above the water's surface and said to himself, 'Those who are ordered to take the bait will come!'" This idiom has evolved into "Tai Gong fishes, and those who are willing will take the bait." It refers to willingly falling into a trap or scheme set by others, or to a thirst for talent, waiting for applications.

Origin of the Allusion

Jiang Ziya's fishing scene: In the late Shang Dynasty, Jiang Ziya, ordered by Yuanshi Tianzun to descend the mountains to assist King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing the Shang dynasty. Living in seclusion by the Wei River, he fished with a straight hook, using no bait.

The meaning of the straight hook: Jiang Ziya's straight hook represents a departure from conventional fishing methods, employing an unconventional, tempting method that waits for the right person to bite. The three-foot distance from the water's surface also reflects his otherworldly attitude. "Those who bear the fate will come!" Jiang Ziya said this, implying that those who are determined to achieve their ambitions and willing to be recruited will come (take the bait).

Meaning of the Idiom

Waiting for Talent: Jiang Ziya's fishing act was essentially a way of waiting for talented and ambitious individuals to come and contribute to the common people.

Metaphor: This story later evolved into the idiom “愿者上钩” or "Willing ones take the bait," often used to describe someone who willingly falls into a trap, or, like Jiang Ziya, waits for the destined person to arrive.

This story showcases Jiang Ziya's wisdom and extraordinary qualities. He was not only an outstanding military strategist and politician, but also a wise man who excelled in waiting for and recruiting talented individuals.

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About the Artist...

The artist's name is (Zhong Qi).