Modesty(谦逊) is a valuable quality in many cultures around the world. In China, this is no different. However, the phrase “毛遂自荐” seems to disagree with this.

During the Warring States Period, the Qin army marched(进军) on Handan. Seeing that Handan was in danger, Prince Pingyuan sought help from the state of Chu. He wanted to pick 20 talented people to go with him. However, he could only find 19 people who were good enough. Then, a man named Mao Sui volunteered.

Prince Pingyuan looked at Mao Sui with doubt, “How long have you been here with me?”

“Three years,” Mao Sui answered.

“I hear that a person with talent is like an awl(锥子) in a cloth bag. Its sharp point will soon pierce(戳) through the bag. You’ve been here for a long time, but I haven’t seen any of your achievements. Maybe you don’t have any talent.” said Prince Pingyuan.

“What I’m asking you now is to put me into that bag. If you do that, I will pierce through it. But not only the point—the whole awl,” Mao Sui said confidently.

Impressed, Prince Pingyuan allowed Mao to join his team, and Mao proved very helpful. Now the phrase “Mao Sui recommending himself” is used to describe someone who volunteers to do a task.

However, there is a fine line between self-confidence and arrogance(傲慢). It’s important to believe in yourself, but a strong ego can harm your career and professional relationships. So we recommend letting your work speak for itself.

【小题1】Where was Mao Sui from?

A．Qin.

B．Chu.

C．Handan.

D．Pingyuan.

【小题2】What does the phrase “毛遂自荐” mean?

A．Show modesty.

B．Feel unconfident.

C．Be professional.

D．Volunteering for a task.

【小题3】The underlined word “that” means ________.

A．putting an awl into a bag	B．putting Mao Sui into a bag
C．letting Mao Sui join the army	D．refusing Mao Sui

【小题4】What can we learn from the passage?

A．Modesty isn’t a valuable quality.	B．Mao Sui was a confident person.
C．Prince Pingyuan didn’t like Mao Sui.	D．The writer thinks we should have a strong ego.