It was when Jeong Yak-yong, one of the greatest thinkers in Joseon Dynasty of Korea, was conversing with his acquaintances in a pavilion. When they were in good atmosphere, one man lamented the current state of affairs.
“Someone has power without knowing shame. Isn’t it frustrating?”
Then, Jeong changed the topic of the conversation, saying, “Man is not the one we can assess.”
After a while, another person mentioned the horse on the reins.
“That horse just eats into hay without carrying a load.”
This time, too, Jeong said, “Do not criticize animals because they too understand what you say.” Then somebody else complained.
“I’ll have to sew my mouth when I’m with you!”
At his words, Jeong replied with a smile.
“Look at that rock that makes this place wonderful. If you praise the splendor of that rock, you don’t need to close your mouth.”
Later, the pavilion where they had conversations was called “Pumseokjeong Pavilion (品石亭)” which means, “Even rocks should be praised.”