Cypress Boat

柏舟 咨询




泛彼柏舟,亦泛其流

Buffetted is the cypress boat

我心匪石,不可转也

My heart is not a stone,
it cannot be tipped

威仪棣棣,不可选也

I have acted with dignity,
that can not be questioned

 
 

"Cypress Boat" is the title of a poem from the Book of Songs, one of the oldest collections of poetry in the world. This poem opens a window into the heart of the Chinese people, depicting a lone boatman riding a rough sea, reflecting on his life and struggles.

Working in an unfamiliar culture can sometimes be very challenging. This poem reflects on the themes of steadfastness, loyalty, and dignity, and stresses the value of acting according to one's principles, and not giving in to frustration.

We are a partnership of linguists and anthropologists with expertise in Chinese language and cuture. Through our work helping clients from across the world, we have built up a body of expertise in understanding and dealing with cultural differences.