The Legend of Li Shou: Why Cats Chose Peace Over Ruling the World
2026-05-02
What if cats ruled the world?
Take a moment to imagine a world governed by felines. Laws, order, and the balance between humanity and nature would all be overseen by a cat. In such a world, more than half the day would likely be designated as nap time in a sunny spot. Important meetings would only occur if the cat was in a good mood, and all decrees would be issued only when the cat felt like it. Ignoring someone would be a recognized right of the supreme ruler, and a snack time would take precedence over any national crisis.
Interestingly, cats were once given exactly this opportunity. According to ancient Chinese mythology, the right to rule the world was originally granted to cats, not humans. They were chosen by the gods to be the world's overseers and guardians of order. However, the cats refused. They simply wanted to sleep.
This is the story of the ancient Chinese myth of Li Shou.
The Chaos of the Beginning: Why the Gods Chose Cats
The story goes back to the dawn of time when the world was newly created. Though the heavens and earth were separated and the rivers flowed, there was no order yet. Chaos remained in many corners of the world.
The gods debated who should supervise this world—who could observe the cycles of nature, relay the divine will to the earth, and lead all things to their proper places. After a long discussion, they chose cats.
There were specific reasons for this choice:
Cats do not fear boundaries. They see in the dark and move freely between high and low places, making them perfect for navigating the human and natural worlds.
Cats are sharp. They do not miss the smallest movement or the faintest sound, a trait ideal for sensing and recording changes in the world.
Cats are independent. They do not seek approval or succumb to power. They instinctively possess the neutrality and independence required of an overseer.
The gods appointed the cat Li Shou as the world's first overseer. It was a position of immense power, meant to realize the divine will on earth and maintain the natural order.
The Cat's Answer: I Just Want to Sleep
After being appointed, Li Shou initially tried to perform the duties. He traveled across the world, checking if rivers flowed correctly and if seasons changed on time. He attempted to relay divine messages and correct imbalances.
However, a problem arose: there were too many tasks. The world was far more complex than expected, and the responsibilities were endless. The more he worked, the more work appeared, leaving no time for rest. Li Shou soon realized this was not the life he wanted.
To a cat, what is most precious? Stretching and napping under the warm sun, wandering freely when the mood strikes, and curling up in a favorite spot. The position of world overseer was the opposite of a life free from command and heavy responsibility. Li Shou returned to the gods and spoke honestly.
He told them he could not handle the task because he simply wanted to live in peace, sleep, and be free. Ruling the world did not suit him. The gods were shocked, but Li Shou's eyes were firm. He relinquished the right to rule the world.
The Handover to Humans and the Cost
The gods tried to persuade Li Shou multiple times, offering assistants and more rest, but the cats collectively decided to decline the offer. With the cats refusing, the gods eventually turned to humans. Unlike cats, humans desired power and welcomed the opportunity to rule.
However, humans lacked the ability to understand the language of the heavens and the rhythms of nature. To solve this, a compromise was made: while humans would rule, cats would retain the knowledge of the heavenly language. They would keep the ability to sense time and seasonal changes.
This is why, in traditional Chinese culture, people read time by looking at a cat's eyes. A cat's pupils change throughout the day, narrowing in bright light and widening at dawn or dusk. Ancient people observed these changes to track the hours. This was seen as a remnant of the power Li Shou chose to keep—the ability to know time and nature even without ruling the world.
Li Shou as a Guardian of Prosperity
Beyond the refusal of power, Li Shou was also worshipped as a deity of fertility and abundance. In ancient Chinese agricultural society, cats were essential for protecting grain stores from rodents.
Li Shou was believed to drive away evil spirits and pests that harmed crops. During planting seasons, farmers offered sacrifices to him. Interestingly, these sacrifices were not grand or rare; they were things a cat would actually like, such as fresh fish, warm food, and a comfortable place to rest. People believed that if they gave Li Shou what he wanted—peace and good food—he would bring them a bountiful harvest.
The Meaning of Choosing Peace Over Power
The story of Li Shou contains a deep philosophical message about knowing what one truly desires and having the courage to refuse what one does not want.
Humans often sacrifice their true happiness for power or status they do not genuinely desire. Li Shou was different; he turned down the greatest authority in the world in favor of a peaceful nap and a free life. In a Taoist sense, his choice is a perfect practice of Wu Wei—acting naturally without force and living as one's true self without greed for fame.
Humans took over the world and built civilizations, but they also brought war and environmental destruction. Meanwhile, cats have lived the same way for thousands of years: napping in the sun, walking when they wish, and purring when happy.
Even now, when a cat gazes out a window with narrowed eyes, it feels as though they are still living out Li Shou’s choice, reminding us that a life of peace and personal freedom might be far more valuable than ruling the world.
