For more than a century, Yan Fu’s translation principle(s) had a greatinfluence on translation theory and practice in China and beyond.Largely because of the pithiness of the principle(s) and Yan’smarked departure fromfidelity–an aspect of the principle, therehas been much discussion. The lack of a theoretical tradition inChinese  translation  discourse  has  led  to  impressionisticinterpretations of the principle(s), often unmoored from its/theirhistorical context. Given the various degrees of simplification andreductionism belie the multi-layered complexity of translation, acritical and nuanced discussion of the origin and function of theprinciple(s) is needed to rectify some of the prevailing andpersistent  misconceptions  and  to  steer  the  discussion  inmeaningful and constructive directions to avoid an ahistorical andanachronistic use of the principle(s), which has led to conceptualconfusion and methodological weakness. This article contextualizesYan Fu’s‘unorthodox way of translating’Huxley’sEvolution  andEthicsby relating it to the deep sense of national crisis amongChinese intellectuals who were trying tofind ways to enlighten thegeneral public for China’s national survival, which is conducive tojustifying the almost unapologetically adaptive nature of Yan’stranslation practice, whose success and influence are undeniable.