Miscellaneous Essays (Part II) - Han Yu
/杂说(其二) - 韩愈/
Reflections on the Serpent’s Subtle Power
蛇之为物，伏乎草木之下，
The snake, a creature that lies hidden beneath grasses and leaves,
变动而莫测其机。
Moves with changeful intent beyond the scope of human foresight.
厥形纤曲，常似无力，
Its slender, coiled form appears feeble,
然能奋跃而伤猛兽。
Yet it can spring forth to strike even the fiercest of beasts.
它时得时，吞噬群鼠，
In certain moments of fortune, it devours hordes of mice,
失时则栖伏，默而不声。
But in misfortune, it retreats silently without a sound.
古人有训：知几其神，
The ancients admonished that to grasp subtle shifts is to grasp the divine,
能变者能成事也。
And those who can adapt may accomplish great feats.
蛇岂独然哉？
Is the snake alone in this?
人之生世，贵乎审度时势耳。
Humankind, too, finds worth in discerning timely action and circumstance.
The snake, a creature that lies hidden beneath grasses and leaves,
变动而莫测其机。
Moves with changeful intent beyond the scope of human foresight.
厥形纤曲，常似无力，
Its slender, coiled form appears feeble,
然能奋跃而伤猛兽。
Yet it can spring forth to strike even the fiercest of beasts.
它时得时，吞噬群鼠，
In certain moments of fortune, it devours hordes of mice,
失时则栖伏，默而不声。
But in misfortune, it retreats silently without a sound.
古人有训：知几其神，
The ancients admonished that to grasp subtle shifts is to grasp the divine,
能变者能成事也。
And those who can adapt may accomplish great feats.
蛇岂独然哉？
Is the snake alone in this?
人之生世，贵乎审度时势耳。
Humankind, too, finds worth in discerning timely action and circumstance.
Although most of Han Yu’s “杂说” (Miscellaneous Essays) are written in prose form rather than verse, they share a poetic sensibility and reveal deep philosophical insights. In “杂说(其二),” Han Yu uses the snake as a metaphor for strategic caution, resilience, and the art of seizing opportunity.
**Context**: Han Yu was a prominent Tang Dynasty scholar-official and writer known for his Confucian ideals and moral fortitude. His essays often blend the practical with the philosophical, using vivid imagery from nature to illustrate broader principles of human conduct.
**Summary**: The essay opens by describing the snake as a creature hidden under vegetation—still and unassuming. But when necessary, it reveals surprising strength, able to contend with powerful foes. This illustrates the dual nature of power: even something that appears fragile can harbor a formidable ability. The snake’s capacity to adapt—feasting on mice during abundant times and receding into silence during hardship—embodies a lesson about flexibility, patience, and vigilance.
By likening the snake’s behavior to human life, Han Yu underscores the importance of discerning the right moment. "To sense subtle changes is akin to grasping the divine": people, like snakes, succeed by reading their environment carefully and acting decisively. In a world marked by sudden shifts, Han Yu reminds us that neither raw force nor unyielding pride ensures success; rather, humility, observation, and timeliness often prevail.
**Relevance**: This piece remains timely for modern readers seeking to navigate competitive arenas—whether in business, politics, or personal pursuits. The underlying message is that true power might lie in our capacity to lie low, observe, and then strike swiftly when conditions are most favorable.
Key points
• Even the seemingly weak can harbor great strength.
• Success often depends on recognizing and seizing opportune moments.
• Observing and adapting to changing circumstances are vital life skills.
• Nature offers enduring metaphors for human strategy and resilience.
