The Calligrapher — Shěn Càn 沈粲

Ming calligrapher of the Two Shen known for elegant, flowing cursive script.

Ming calligrapher (), master of cursive script — known for 沈度之弟. Ming dynasty

Cultural Story

Mengzi argued that 因 the seasons one must not drain the ponds, linking cause to restraint. Buddhist sutras translated 因果 as the chain of deed and consequence, a debt that follows the doer. In the Hanfeizi, a ruler's 因素 of success is counted like grains — policy, weather, and men, each a countable cause.

Common words & phrases

• 因为 because · since
• 原因 reason · cause
• 因素 factor · element
• 因此 therefore · for this reason · as a result
• 因果 cause and effect · karma
• 基因 gene

Read the story behind the character

A doctor explains the 因 of the cough is dust, not infection. The lab report lists a 基因 linked to the condition. A project manager ticks 因素 after 因素 on a shared sheet. The news anchor closes with 因此 the bridge will stay closed through the weekend.