Once upon a time, there was an old man named Yu Gong who lived in a small village surrounded by two large mountains. These mountains blocked the path to the outside world, making it difficult for his family and villagers to travel or bring supplies.
One day, Yu Gong gathered his family and said, "We must remove these mountains so that our village can prosper. It may take generations, but we must start now." His family agreed, and they began digging away at the mountains every day.
A wise man passing by saw their hard work and laughed. "How foolish you are! You will never move these mountains," he said. Yu Gong replied, "I may not live to see it, but my children and grandchildren will continue until the task is done."
Word spread, and others were inspired by Yu Gong's determination. Over time, even the gods took notice. Moved by his perseverance, the gods sent two powerful spirits who carried the mountains away, finally opening a clear path for the village.
The story of Yu Gong teaches us the value of persistence and belief in what is right, no matter how impossible it may seem.
This simple tale from ancient China emphasizes the importance of dedication and collective effort in achieving great goals.