How did the story of a snake swallowing an elephant come about?

The story of snake swallowing elephant due to lack of human heart comes from China traditional culture and comes from Zhuangzi's foreign article.

The origin of the allusion of snake swallowing elephant's lack of heart can be summarized as follows:

From Zhuangzi Foreign Things: This allusion was first seen in the book Zhuangzi Foreign Things by Zhuangzi, an ancient philosopher in China. Zhuangzi, a representative figure of Taoism in China, expounded his philosophical thoughts in fables and metaphors, including this allusion.

About greed and desire: This allusion implies that human desires are sometimes too greedy and pursue too big goals and ambitions through the story of snakes trying to swallow eagles. It warns people to think rationally, be contented and avoid excessive greed and unrealistic desires.

Emphasize reality and ability: snakes can't swallow such a huge creature as eagle because of their own abilities and conditions. This reminds people to realize their abilities, conditions and reality, not to pursue goals beyond their abilities, and to avoid blind and unrealistic pursuits.

Encourage contentment: This allusion also emphasizes the importance of contentment. It teaches people to restrain themselves, be content with the status quo, avoid greed, and not excessively pursue the expansion of material and power, but cherish the present life and what they have, so as to obtain inner peace and satisfaction.

The meaning of allusions

1, rational thinking: a snake can't swallow an eagle because of its ability and conditions. This allusion reminds people to think rationally, realize their own ability and reality, and not blindly pursue unrealistic goals.

2. Restrain yourself: The snake's desire to swallow the eagle reflects a manifestation of human greed and desire. This allusion warns people to restrain themselves, not to be too greedy and ambitious, lest they fall into an impossible situation.

3. Warning that people's hearts are fragile: the lack of people's hearts means that people's inner desires are endless. This allusion reminds people to be alert to their own desires and avoid greed and arrogance, so as not to hurt others or themselves.