I will ascend the mountain's summit sublime, where all mountains below appear small in my sight.
会当凌绝顶，一览众山小
Background
This famous line appears at the end of Du Fu's "Gazing at Mount Tai," expressing the poet's heroic aspirations while contemplating the majestic mountain. At age 24, after failing the imperial examinations, Du Fu was traveling through Qi and Zhao regions. Despite his career setback, the magnificent presence of Mount Tai inspired not despair, but rather an unyielding determination to climb to the summit and survey all beneath him.
Interpretation
"I will" (会当) expresses unwavering determination - not merely "might" or "could," but absolute resolve. "Ascend the summit" (凌绝顶) transcends physical climbing to symbolize the pursuit of excellence and the transcendence of personal limitations. "All mountains appear small" (一览众山小) employs powerful contrast - not just the literal experience of elevated viewing, but the profound truth that greater height yields broader perspective.
Historical & Cultural Background
Historical Context
In 736 CE (24th year of Emperor Xuanzong's Kaiyuan era), China stood at the zenith of its "Kaiyuan Golden Age." The 24-year-old Du Fu had just failed the imperial examinations in Luoyang and embarked on an extended journey through Qi and Zhao regions. This period represented Tang Dynasty's cultural and political peak, when scholars universally harbored ambitions for public service and national contribution.
Cultural Significance
This maxim crystallizes the Chinese cultural tradition of "ascending heights for broader vision," embodying Confucian ideals of scholarly perseverance and Daoist transcendence through communion with nature. Beyond Du Fu's personal expression, it has become a cultural symbol for the Chinese nation's fearless pursuit of lofty aspirations.
Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Philosophical Analysis
Philosophical Analysis
Philosophically, this maxim embodies traditional Chinese cosmology of "heaven-human unity" and the practical philosophy of "knowledge-action integration." It profoundly demonstrates the epistemology of "investigating things to extend knowledge" and the wisdom of "practice as ontology."
Modern Application
Modern Application
Contemporary society finds practical applications in career development through establishing ambitious goals, in entrepreneurship through disruptive thinking, in personal growth through cultivating growth mindset, and opposing "lying flat" mentality.
Origin Story
In 736 CE, the young Du Fu, having failed the imperial examinations, embarked on his first extended journey. Upon reaching Mount Tai's summit and contemplating his examination failure, he achieved sudden enlightenment: is not life itself like this climb? With firm resolve, no obstacle proves insurmountable. This Mount Tai pilgrimage became a crucial turning point in his life.
Historical Impact
Since its creation, this maxim has served as spiritual bugle call for countless noble-minded individuals. From Song Dynasty's Wen Tianxiang to modern Lin Zedong, this fearless spirit has been continuously inherited. Contemporary education incorporates this verse in primary and secondary curricula as classic exemplar for cultivating youthful aspiration.
Practical Guidance
Practical implementation includes establishing phased objectives, cultivating climbing capacity, building support systems, maintaining resilient mindset, and regular review and reflection.
Quote Information
About the Author
Du Fu
Tang Dynasty
Du Fu (712-770) was a Chinese poet and politician during the Tang dynasty. Along with Li Bai, he is frequently called the greatest of the Chinese poets. His greatest ambition was to serve his country as a successful civil servant.
Related Quotes
Other wise quotes from the same author
After reading ten thousand books, writing flows like divine inspiration.
读书破万卷，下笔如有神。
Source: Twenty-two Rhymes