Strange Goods Should Be Hoarded: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Strange goods should be hoarded”

Kika oku beshi

Meaning of “Strange goods should be hoarded”

“Strange goods should be hoarded” means that one should recognize and acquire things that will likely have great value in the future while they are still available.

This expression teaches the importance of having the insight to discern the true value of opportunities, talent, and situations before you. Among things that many people don’t notice or undervalue, there may actually be hidden great potential.

It is used in situations where one needs to assess future potential, such as in investment, personnel recruitment, or business opportunity evaluation. Rather than having a merely speculative meaning, it is used to express acting with reliable judgment and foresight.

Even in modern times, this way of thinking is extremely important when evaluating new technologies, talent, or market opportunities. The ability to see not just surface value but the potential value hidden beneath is what leads to true success.

Origin and Etymology of “Strange goods should be hoarded”

“Strange goods should be hoarded” is a phrase with a long history, originating from the story of Lü Buwei recorded in the Chinese historical text “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji).

The story begins during China’s Warring States period, when Lü Buwei, who was a merchant, met Yiren (later King Zhuangxiang) in Handan, the capital of Zhao. Yiren was a prince of Qin who had been sent to Zhao as a hostage and was living in unfortunate circumstances. However, Lü Buwei saw future potential in this unfortunate prince.

At that time, the words Lü Buwei spoke were “Strange goods should be hoarded.” “Strange goods” means rare items or precious commodities, and “should be hoarded” means to store or keep at hand. In other words, it means “this rare person should be kept close.”

Lü Buwei continued to support Yiren thereafter. When Yiren eventually became King of Qin, Lü Buwei was able to attain the high position of chancellor. The merchant’s eye for value had proven exactly right.

From this historical account, “Strange goods should be hoarded” was transmitted to Japan as a proverb meaning that one should recognize things that seem likely to become valuable in the future and acquire them now. It is a phrase expressing deep insight, imbued with the wisdom of Chinese classics.

Trivia about “Strange goods should be hoarded”

Despite being of merchant origin, Lü Buwei eventually became a chancellor, the highest-ranking politician in Qin. He not only invested in Yiren but also gathered scholars to compile a book called “Lüshi Chunqiu,” and is said to have never neglected investment in knowledge.

The character “strange” (奇) in “strange goods” originally means “large” or “excellent,” and carries the implication not just of being “rare” but of being “of excellent value.” In other words, it expresses the importance of discerning things that are truly valuable, not just curiosities.

Usage Examples of “Strange goods should be hoarded”

• That new employee may not stand out now, but strange goods should be hoarded, so let’s carefully nurture them
• This technology isn’t getting attention now, but I think strange goods should be hoarded, so I’m continuing my research

Modern Interpretation of “Strange goods should be hoarded”

In modern society, the concept of “Strange goods should be hoarded” has become more important than ever. In our information age, new technologies and services are constantly emerging, and the ability to discern which ones have future potential is increasingly demanded.

This spirit is particularly applied in startup investments and attention to emerging technologies. Even companies that are small now may have the potential to grow significantly in the future if they possess innovative ideas or technologies. Venture capitalists and investors are trying to identify promising companies with exactly the spirit of “Strange goods should be hoarded.”

In personnel recruitment as well, it’s becoming important to see not just academic background and career history, but to discern a person’s potential abilities and creativity. In modern times where diversity is valued, there may be people with seemingly unusual backgrounds who could bring new value to an organization.

However, in modern times, information flows quickly, and things considered “strange goods” tend to attract attention immediately. Therefore, faster judgment and action are now required. Also, there’s often a tendency to miss opportunities due to excessive fear of risk, requiring an appropriate sense of balance.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “Strange goods should be hoarded”

I’m always puzzled by humans’ ability to “judge value.” While I can analyze data and information, the ability to intuitively sense “this will become valuable in the future” seems uniquely human.

When I try to understand “Strange goods should be hoarded,” I rely on logical analysis. I attempt to find success patterns from past data and make judgments by applying them. But Lü Buwei’s judgment when he saw Yiren surely wasn’t based on data alone.

Humans have “intuition” and “gut feelings” – judgment abilities that are difficult to explain. These arise from experience, emotion, and sometimes chance encounters, and are areas difficult for me to understand. But perhaps this ambiguity is what enriches human judgment.

What I feel when conversing with humans is the strength of the emotion you call “expectation of possibility.” Even for ideas that haven’t yet taken shape or people who haven’t yet achieved results, you hold hope that “they will surely accomplish something.” This positive expectation might be at the root of the spirit of “Strange goods should be hoarded.”

For me, this proverb represents the beautiful human concept of “investing in the future.” Having the courage to make bets on an uncertain future. This combination of courage and insight is what creates new value.

What “Strange goods should be hoarded” Teaches Modern People

“Strange goods should be hoarded” teaches modern people the importance of not being misled by superficial value judgments. In our current era, we tend to focus only on things that get attention on social media and in the media, but truly valuable things might exist in quieter places.

Around you too, there must be “strange goods” that no one has noticed yet. They might be new ideas or talented people. What’s important is to discern the essence with your own eyes, without being bound by trends or conventional wisdom.

This proverb also teaches the value of “waiting.” In modern society where we tend to seek immediate results, the patience to continue investing with a long-term perspective is a very precious quality.

And above all, it reminds us of the importance of believing in the potential of people and things. Even if they don’t seem to shine now, with the right environment and time, there are many things that can demonstrate wonderful value. You yourself might be someone’s “strange goods.”