The original text of "contradiction"

The original text of "Contradictions" is as follows:

The Chu people have a shield and a spear, and they have a reputation: "My shield is strong, and nothing can be trapped." He also praised his spear, saying, "The benefits of my spear are all trapped in things", or saying, "How can a spear of a child be trapped in a shield of a child?" The man can respond, and the invincible shield and spear of the husband cannot stand side by side with the world.

There was a man from the State of Chu who sold both shields and spears. He boasted about his shield and said, "My shield is so strong that nothing can penetrate it.". He boasted about his spear and said, "My spear is extremely sharp, and anything solid can be worn through.". Someone asked him, "What will happen if you stab your shield with your spear?"? The man couldn't answer a word. A shield that can't pierce anything and a spear that can pierce anything can't exist in this world at the same time.

Idiom implication

Self-contradiction is an idiom evolved from an allegorical story, which originated from Han Feizi Nan Yi. This idiom reveals the thinking contradiction of Confucian scholars, and it is impossible for an unbreakable shield and an indestructible spear to coexist in the world. The Chu people unilaterally exaggerated the role of spears and shields, resulting in a situation that could not be justified. Contradictory stories warn people to be practical and appropriate, and must not be philistine, exaggerated or boastful.

this businessman blew his top and contradicted himself, resulting in a joke and breaking his promise. This dishonest attitude is not desirable. This idiom also tells people to seek truth from facts when speaking and doing things, and to think twice before acting. Speak or do things consistently, so as not to get to the point where it is difficult to justify yourself and be asked speechless.

the above content reference: Baidu encyclopedia-self-contradictory.