During the Spring and Autumn Period, the Shi family of Lu had two sons. One studied civil arts, the other military arts.
The civil-minded son went to Qi to advocate his doctrines. The Lord of Qi was impressed and appointed him as Tai Fu (a high-ranking official) to tutor several princes.
The military-minded son went to Chu and presented his strategies to the king. The King of Chu gladly retained him to assist in military and political affairs.
Thus, the Shi brothers achieved fame and success, bringing honor and wealth to their family.
Their neighbors, the Meng family, also had two sons who studied the same arts but remained poor and frustrated.
Envious of the Shi family's success, the Mengs asked for their secret. The Shi brothers truthfully recounted their experiences.
Consequently, the Meng's civil son went to Qin to preach "benevolence and righteousness." The King of Qin was displeased, stating, "In this age of warfare, we must focus on farming and military readiness. Your doctrines would lead us to ruin." He then had the son castrated and expelled.
The Meng's military son went to Wei and expounded on strengthening the army. The Lord of Wei was disgusted, saying, "As a small state between powers, our survival depends on diplomacy, not aggression. Your ideas are a danger." He then ordered the son's feet cut off and sent him back to Lu.
When the mutilated Meng sons returned, their father rushed with them to rebuke the Shi family.
Upon hearing their story, the Shi family sighed, "Only those who understand the times thrive. Your sons learned the same skills as ours, yet the results are entirely different."