On November 1st, 2021, Elon Musk tweeted a 1,800-year-old Chinese poem called “Seven Steps Verse.” He posted the poem in Mandarin with the word ‘Humankind’ above it. Elon Musk’s tweet puzzled his followers and sparked speculation about its hidden meaning. What could this poem signify, and what story lies behind it?
The ancient poem narrates the conflict and rivalry between two brothers, Cao Pi and Cao Zhi, both sons of the warlord Cao Cao during China’s Three Kingdoms period, spanning from 192 to 232 AD.
The older brother, Cao Pi, who succeeded their father, harbored a desire to eliminate his younger brother, Cao Zhi, due to jealousy stemming from his sibling’s intelligence and literary talents.
In a tense encounter, the older brother summoned the younger and demanded he compose a poem about their brotherhood within the span of seven steps, threatening execution if he failed.
The younger brother managed to create the “Seven Steps Verse” within this short distance, saving his life and shaming his older brother with the power of his words.
This poem holds significant recognition in China, with even elementary school children capable of reciting it. It serves as a lesson in fostering harmony and highlights how rivalry and envy can sow the seeds of malevolence within humanity.
In this post, I present my English translation accompanied by an image, hoping to offer a better understanding of the poem.
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