:自知之明 Know one's limitations

　　In ancient times a man named Zou Ji, 8 chi tall and impressive looking, had served as the prime minister of the State of Qi.

　　One morning, he tidied his clothes and hat, looked into the mirror, and asked his wife: "Look, who is more handsome, Xu Gong living in the north of the city or I?"

　　His wife replied: "You are far more handsome. Xu Gong is no match for you!"

　　Xu Gong of the north of the city was a well-known handsome man in the State of Qi. Zou Ji really didn't believe he was more handsome than Xu Gong. So he asked his concubine: "Look, who is more handsome, Xu Gong or I?"

　　His concubine also said: "Xu Gong is no match for you!"

　　The next day, a guest came to discuss some matter with him. Zou Ji asked his guest the same question: "Who is more handsome, Xu Gong or I?"

　　The guest answered positively: "Xu Gong is not as handsome as you."

　　Another day passed and Zou Ji met Xu Gong in person. He stared closely at the other for some time and carefully compared him with himself. He really couldn't see that he was more handsome than Xu Gong. Later, he again looked into the mirror. The more he looked at himself, the more he felt he was not as handsome as Xu Gong.

　　Zou Ji was rather restless in his mind. At night, lying on the bed, he pondered: He was not as handsome as Xu Gong, but why did these three persons say he was more handsome?In the end, he came to understand the reason: "My wife says I am handsome because she shows favouritism to me. My concubine says I am handsome because she is afraid of me. My guest says I am handsome because he wants to curry my favour."

　　古代齐国有个人名叫邹忌，身高八尺，相貌堂堂，曾经做过齐国的相国。