Contradictory, allusion from "Han Feizi Nanyi": "The Chu people have a shield and a spear, and the reputation is: 'The strength of my shield, the object can not fall into it.'" He also praised his spear: "The benefit of my spear is not in everything." Or: 'What about the spear of the Son, the shield of the Trapper?' 'Its man, Fernsworthy, should also be. The shield of the impenetrable and the spear of the impregnable shall not stand together in the same world. ”
Interpretation: There was a Chu man who sold shields and spears, and he boasted of his shield: "My shield is so strong that anything sharp cannot pierce it." He boasted of his spear: "My spear is so sharp that it can pierce all that is strong." Someone asked him, "What if you stabbed your shield with your spear?" The man was speechless and unable to cope. It is impossible for a shield that cannot be penetrated to exist at the same time as a spear that cannot be penetrated by omnipotent.
Later generations often used the "contradiction" metaphor for people's language, actions before and after conflict, and incompatibility.
See Song Wang Guanguo's "Xuelin Words and Deeds": "The words and deeds of the sages should be practiced and not contradicted." ”
Interpretation: (Research and investigation) The words and deeds of the sages and sages should take into account their practical situation, and should not (due to incomplete research and incomplete investigation) let the research results be inconsistent and contradictory.