How to Read “窮すれば通ず”
Kyū sureba tsūzu
Meaning of “窮すれば通ず”
“When cornered then penetrate” means that when you fall into a situation where you are completely troubled and stuck, you will instead find new paths or solutions.
This expression is used in situations where you want to convey the importance of not giving up hope even in seemingly desperate circumstances. When people are cornered, they sometimes demonstrate ideas and action capabilities that they wouldn’t normally think of. Also, when difficult situations continue, you may receive help from people around you or unexpected coincidental events may occur, leading to unforeseen solutions. Even today, it is used in various situations such as financial hardship, relationship troubles, and work deadlocks. This proverb is not mere optimism, but expresses a profound truth of life that difficult situations themselves become catalysts for creating new possibilities.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “When cornered then penetrate” traces back to the ancient Chinese classic “I Ching” (Book of Changes). The “I Ching” is known as a book of divination, but it is actually a classic that contains deep philosophical thought. Within this book, there are the words “窮則変、変則通,” which are said to have been transmitted to Japan and became “When cornered then penetrate.”
A direct translation of “窮則変、変則通” would be “When cornered, then change occurs; when change occurs, then penetration happens.” In other words, it means that when you reach a dead end, change will inevitably occur, and when change occurs, a path will inevitably open. This philosophy is also deeply connected to ancient Chinese yin-yang thought. In yin-yang philosophy, all things consist of two opposing elements, and when one reaches its extreme, it inevitably transforms into the other.
It is believed to have been transmitted to Japan around the Heian period along with Buddhism, and by the Edo period, it had become widely used among common people. Particularly among merchants, it seems to have been cherished as emotional support when overcoming business difficulties. The reason this proverb has been beloved for so long is probably because it beautifully expresses the essential human experience of “transformation from difficulty.”
Usage Examples
- My job search isn’t going well at all and my savings are running out, but as they say “When cornered then penetrate,” so I’ll try a little harder.
- The company’s management is getting tough, but with “When cornered then penetrate,” some new ideas might emerge.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “When cornered then penetrate” has come to have more complex and multifaceted meanings. In the information age, the information and options available when facing difficulties have dramatically increased. Through the internet, we can access knowledge from around the world, and it’s possible to seek help through social media. This could be said to have increased the possibilities for “penetration” compared to the past.
On the other hand, challenges unique to modern times have also emerged. Due to information overload, it can become difficult to find truly necessary solutions, or having too many options can make decision-making impossible. Also, in modern times where speed is emphasized, there’s a tendency to take action early before becoming “cornered,” and the “waiting” element that this proverb contains tends to be undervalued.
However, even in modern times with advanced AI and technology, the importance of human creativity, intuition, and the mental strength to face difficulties remains unchanged. Rather, precisely because we live in modern times with intense and unpredictable changes, the attitude this proverb embodies of “not fearing change and viewing difficulties as opportunities for growth” may be becoming even more important.
When AI Hears This
The “tunneling effect” in quantum physics is a phenomenon where electrons probabilistically penetrate through energy barriers that they should theoretically never be able to cross. It’s like a person running toward a wall suddenly appearing on the other side without breaking through it—a mysterious phenomenon that forms the foundation of semiconductor technology in modern smartphones and computers.
This physical phenomenon shares remarkable similarities with the principle “when cornered, a way opens up.” In the tunneling effect, the lower the electron’s energy (meaning the more it’s pushed into a “desperate situation”), the more conditions arise that increase the probability of penetrating the barrier. Specifically, the barrier becomes thinner, or the electron’s wave properties become more pronounced.
Humans similarly can suddenly manifest abilities and ideas they don’t normally use when pushed into desperate situations. From a neuroscience perspective, it’s known that adrenaline secreted in extreme conditions enhances creativity and generates solutions that wouldn’t normally occur to us.
What’s even more fascinating is that both are “probabilistic phenomena.” The tunneling effect doesn’t occur 100% of the time, and human escapes from desperate situations don’t always succeed either. However, when the right conditions align, “breakthroughs” that transcend physical laws and common sense become possible. Perhaps the ancient Chinese sages intuitively understood this fundamental mechanism of the universe without knowing quantum mechanics.
Lessons for Today
What “When cornered then penetrate” teaches us today is that we don’t need to fear difficult situations too much. There are inevitably periods of deadlock in life, but such times might be chances to meet a new version of yourself.
In modern society, preventing problems before they occur tends to be emphasized, but sometimes the experience of being “cornered” also becomes valuable learning. It’s precisely when facing difficulties that abilities we don’t usually use awaken, or unexpected connections with people are born.
What’s important is not completely abandoning hope even when you find yourself in troubled situations. Solutions don’t necessarily appear in the form you expected. Sometimes paths open from completely different directions in unimaginable ways.
If you’re currently feeling stuck with something, that might be the entrance to new possibilities. Don’t rush, but don’t give up either, and maintain the flexibility to accept change. A new path will surely become visible.
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