Chinese idiom – 纸上谈兵 zhǐ shàng tán bīng

Here is a translation of the story of “Zhǐ Shàng Tán Bīng” (纸上谈兵) into English:

Once upon a time, there was a general named Zhào Kòu (赵括) who was well-versed in the art of warfare through studying ancient military texts and strategies. He could discuss military tactics and strategies eloquently, making him seem very knowledgeable and skilled in warfare. However, his knowledge was only theoretical, as he had never actually been in a real battle.

During a crucial military campaign, the king of the Zhao kingdom decided to appoint Zhào Kòu as the commander of their troops, believing that his theoretical knowledge would translate into victory on the battlefield. However, Zhào Kòu lacked practical experience and battlefield intuition.

When the battle began, Zhào Kòu adhered strictly to the military texts and strategies he had studied, ignoring the changing conditions on the ground. His rigid adherence to theory led to poor decision-making and tactical errors. As a result, the Zhao army suffered heavy losses, and the battle ended in a defeat for the Zhao kingdom.

This story teaches us that theoretical knowledge, while important, is not enough. Practical experience and the ability to adapt to changing conditions are crucial in achieving success. Relying solely on books and theory without real-world application can lead to failure.