Carpenter Shih was traveling to the state of Qi.
He came upon an oak so vast that thousands could rest in its shade. Its trunk could be measured a hundred spans around.
The villagers had gathered to admire it. Carpenter Shih walked past without looking.
“Master,” said his apprentice. “I have never seen wood like this. Why didn’t you stop?”Shih did not slow.
“It is useless. Boats made of it would sink. Coffins would rot quickly. Tools would split. Beams would leak sap. That is why it has lived so long.”
That night the oak appeared in his dream.
“What you call useless,” said the tree, “has been my refuge. The cherry apple, the pear, the orange, the citron — all are torn apart in their fruiting years. To be useful is to be cut down. I have made myself useless for a very long time. Now, at last, I am of great use to myself.”