expression
only a hero can understand a hero; small minds cannot grasp great ambitions
A classical proverb meaning that ordinary people cannot understand the aspirations of great individuals. The literal image is that swallows and sparrows cannot comprehend the ambitions of phoenixes and swans. Used in literary or formal contexts to express that greatness is beyond the understanding of the mediocre.
See also: 燕雀鴻鵠
燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんやというが、彼の壮大な計画は周囲には理解されなかった。
As the saying goes, 'only a hero can understand a hero'; his grand plan was not understood by those around him.
A shorter four-character idiom with the same meaning, often used in written language. 燕雀安んぞ鴻鵠の志を知らんや is the full proverbial form.
From the Chinese historical text 'Records of the Grand Historian' (Shiji), attributed to Chen Sheng. The phrase contrasts small birds (swallows and sparrows) with great birds (phoenixes and swans) to illustrate that ordinary people cannot fathom the ambitions of a great leader.