When the false is taken for the true, the true becomes false;
Where nothing is treated as something, something becomes nothing.
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
Same as the Land of Illusion couplet from Chapter 1, seen again by Baoyu in his dream in Chapter 5. It emphasizes the novel's core philosophical proposition about truth/falsehood and being/nothingness. This is considered the most representative couplet of the entire novel.
Keep exploring
Jump from this poem to the relationship graph, story timeline, or its chapter.
Found an error or have research suggestions? We welcome feedback →Go to research contact