Gǔlái cún lǎo mǎ, bùbì qǔ chángtú.

古來存老馬, 不必取長途。

Lit Since time immemorial [people have] kept old horses, not chosen [for their ability to go] long distances, [but because they know the routes from long experience].

Fig Value older people for their experience and knowledge, rather than for their physical strength.

Note [From a Tang dynasty poem “Jiāng Hàn” by Du Fu; see also lǎo mǎ shí tú below.]

Topics AGE Du Fu EXPERIENCE HORSES KNOWLEDGE Tang dynasty Zhāng_Hàn