There was a scholar in the Zhou Dynasty who repeatedly sought an official post throughout his life, but failed each time until his hair turned white.
One day, while walking on the road, he looked back on his past and shed tears of sorrow. Someone asked him, "Why are you weeping?"
He replied, "I have failed to gain recognition several times. Now I am old and have no more opportunities. That is why I weep."
The man asked again, "But how is it that you never succeeded?"
The scholar explained, "In my youth, I studied the classics diligently and mastered literary arts. When I sought office, the king preferred to appoint old men. After his death, the new king favored warriors. I resolved to learn martial arts, but just as I mastered them, that king passed away. Now the new ruler prefers young men, but I am already old. Thus, I have never gained recognition or held an official post in my entire life."