朝三暮四: (Zhāo Sān Mù Sì)

Translation: "Three in the morning and four in the evening"
Meaning: To be fickle or easily deceived by superficial changes.

Origin: This idiom originates from the Zhuangzi (庄子), a Daoist text attributed to the philosopher Zhuang Zhou (aka Zhuangzi). In the tale, a monkey keeper changed his feeding schedule by offered his monkeys three chestnuts in the morning and four in the evening. The monkeys protested, feeling cheated. To calm them, he reversed the distribution to four in the morning and three in the evening, which satisfied them—even though the total number of chestnuts remained the same.

Cultural and Philosophical Context: The story illustrates Daoist themes of perception versus reality. It critiques the tendency to be misled by appearances or superficial distinctions while ignoring the deeper truth. In Daoist philosophy, such behaviors reflect an attachment to illusions and a failure to grasp the natural order, which values essence over form.

This concept can also be interpreted through a Confucian lens, where consistency and integrity in actions are upheld as virtues. The idiom indirectly warns against catering to fleeting emotions or shallow preferences, aligning with Confucian ideals of moral steadfastness.

Relevance Today: "Three in the morning and four in the evening" remains a sharp critique of modern issues, such as indecisive leadership, inconsistent policies, or marketing tactics that distract consumers with flashy packaging over substance. For instance, it can describe a politician who frequently changes positions to appeal to public opinion, or a company that rebrands a product without meaningful improvement. In personal relationships, it may highlight someone who cannot commit or is easily swayed, serving as a reminder of the importance of discernment and constancy.

This idiom encapsulates timeless wisdom, encouraging deeper awareness and consistency in thought and action.