Mr Fine

Post 47 One who tries not to offend anybody

During the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) in China, there was a man by the name of Sima Hui who was known to have never spoken ill of others. He would agree with whatever the others had said. Everything was fine to him.

Once Sima Hui encountered an acquaintance who asked him, “How have you been, sir?” He said, “Fine.” On another occasion, an old friend who was grief-stricken visited him in his home. This old friend said that his son had died. However, much to his surprise Sima Hui unexpectedly told him, “That’s fine.”

His wife was so angry that she chastised her husband after the old friend had left. She said,” Your friend told you what was on his mind thinking that you were a man of integrity and virtue. Why then must you say “That’s fine” when he told you that his son had died?” On hearing the words of his wife, Sima Hui nonchalantly said, “Fine. What you have just said is also fine!” Sima Hui then became known as Mr Fine because he was one who did not want to offend anybody.

Mr Fine is definitely not fine as a leader. If he chairs a meeting, there will be no decision made.

25 May 2010