How to Read “危急存亡の秋”
Kikyū sonbō no aki
Meaning of “危急存亡の秋”
“Crisis survival destruction autumn” is a proverb that describes an extremely important and urgent period when a nation, organization, or individual stands at the crossroads between survival and destruction.
This expression does not simply refer to a difficult situation, but rather signifies a critical juncture that will determine future destiny. “Crisis” represents imminent danger, “survival destruction” refers to whether one will survive or perish, and “autumn” represents a decisive time period. The combination of these three elements emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation.
This proverb is used in situations such as corporate management crises, critical political moments for a nation, or important life choices for individuals. However, it is not used for everyday minor troubles, but only in truly serious situations that will affect the future. Even today, it is used to express the importance of situations such as corporate bankruptcy crises, international conflicts, and important policy decisions.
Origin and Etymology
“Crisis survival destruction autumn” is a phrase that originates from the “Memorial on Dispatching Troops” in the Chinese classic “Records of the Three Kingdoms.” This memorial is known as the document in which Zhuge Liang (Zhuge Kongming), the chancellor of Shu, petitioned Emperor Liu Shan for permission to launch a northern expedition.
The original text states “Now the realm is divided into three, Yizhou is exhausted, this is truly the Crisis survival destruction autumn” (今天下三分し、益州疲弊す、此れ誠に危急存亡の秋なり), expressing that this was an important time when the fate of Shu Han would be decided under the harsh circumstances of being caught between Wei and Wu.
What should be noted here is the character “autumn” (秋). While it is often confused with the season of autumn in modern times, in classical Chinese, “autumn” meant “time” or “moment.” Since autumn, the harvest season, was the most important time of the year, it came to refer to “important periods” and “decisive moments.”
This expression was transmitted to Japan and became established as a term describing critical situations that determine the fate of nations and organizations, particularly during turbulent periods such as the Warring States period and the end of the Edo period. As a phrase symbolizing Zhuge Liang’s wisdom and decisiveness, it was also favored by Japanese military commanders and politicians, and has been passed down to the present day.
Interesting Facts
Since the character “autumn” means “time period,” there is a similar expression in Chinese classics called “autumn of many events” (多事の秋), which means “a period of many incidents” and is still used in modern Japan.
Zhuge Liang’s “Memorial on Dispatching Troops” is still cherished as a masterpiece in China and is evaluated as such a moving piece of writing that it is said “those who do not shed tears upon reading it are not loyal retainers.”
Usage Examples
- Since the company is facing Crisis survival destruction autumn, now more than ever we must unite as one company and confront the challenge
- The passage of this bill represents Crisis survival destruction autumn for our nation, requiring careful judgment
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Crisis survival destruction autumn” has taken on new meaning amid the waves of globalization and digitalization. For companies, in an era where the speed of technological innovation is accelerating, those who cannot adapt are instantly eliminated from the market. Industry structures that previously changed over 10 or 20 years now undergo dramatic transformation in just a few years.
Particularly, the waves of AI and digital transformation are bringing “Crisis survival destruction autumn” to many industries. Bookstores, the newspaper industry, the taxi industry, and others are facing situations where traditional business models are fundamentally questioned.
At the individual level, with the collapse of lifetime employment systems and diversification of work styles, “Crisis survival destruction autumn” in career choices has become more frequent. Opportunities requiring major life-changing decisions such as reskilling, job changes, and entrepreneurship have increased.
On the other hand, in our information-overloaded modern era, it has become difficult to distinguish between true “Crisis survival destruction autumn” and temporary difficulties. The ability to discern truly important situations without being misled by the crisis information flowing daily through media and social networks is now required.
When AI Hears This
In ancient China, “autumn” was not merely a season, but a sacred time when the life force of the universe moved toward death. According to the yin-yang and five elements philosophy, if spring and summer were periods when “yang energy” nurtured life, then autumn and winter were times dominated by “yin energy,” when everything withered and died.
What’s fascinating is that ancient Chinese people believed human society moved to the same rhythm as nature. In other words, nations also had their “spring, summer, autumn, and winter,” with autumn representing the fateful period when dynasties would perish. Just as tree leaves would wither and fall all at once, they believed that nations would inevitably collapse during their autumn period.
The “autumn” in “the autumn of crisis and survival” carries this meaning of cosmic time of death. It doesn’t simply mean “a dangerous period,” but has the profound meaning of “the time of inevitable end according to natural law.” Hidden behind words that modern people understand as merely “a time of crisis” is actually a grand worldview of “the destiny of death that arrives according to universal law.”
From this perspective, we can see that for ancient Chinese people, national crises were cosmic phenomena beyond human power. They viewed even political turmoil as natural phenomena, like the changing of seasons.
Lessons for Today
“Crisis survival destruction autumn” teaches us modern people that there are truly important turning points in life. Rather than being elated or dejected by small daily troubles, it is important to cultivate the ability to discern truly important situations that will affect our lives.
The modern era is overflowing with information, and we see words like “crisis” and “emergency” almost daily. However, true “Crisis survival destruction autumn” does not occur so frequently. What is important is having the courage to face it without running away when that time comes, and to act with determination.
Moreover, this proverb applies not only to individuals but also to teams and organizations. When facing difficult situations, having a shared recognition that “now is the crucial moment” allows all members to unite and tackle challenges together.
Surely important moments that could be called “Crisis survival destruction autumn” will come in your life too. When that time comes, do not be afraid, but learn from the wisdom of our predecessors and make decisions that are true to yourself. That step will surely open the door to a new future.
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