How to Read “窮鳥懐に入れば猟師も殺さず”
Kyūchō futokoro ni ireba ryōshi mo korosazu
Meaning of “窮鳥懐に入れば猟師も殺さず”
This proverb means that when someone who is cornered comes seeking help, you should show mercy and help them, even if they are originally an adversary.
For a hunter, birds are prey and normally something to be caught. However, when a bird desperately fleeing ends up flying into the hunter’s bosom, the hunter is moved by the desperate situation and the plea for help, and stops from killing it. This represents the compassionate heart that those in strong positions should show toward those in weak positions.
This proverb is used in situations when people in distress come seeking help, or when opponents who are usually in conflict fall into dire straits and come to rely on you. In such situations, it teaches the importance of showing human compassion that transcends past circumstances and conflicts of interest. Even in modern times, it is used to express the significance of providing humanitarian support when business competitors or those with opposing views fall into difficult situations.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is said to originate from a historical account recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “Huainanzi.” It is based on a story where when a cornered bird flew into a hunter’s bosom, the hunter let the bird go without killing it.
“Cornered bird” refers to a bird that has been driven into a corner, and “if enters bosom” literally means flying into a person’s chest. In ancient China, protecting those who sought help in such situations was considered a virtue.
It is believed to have been introduced to Japan around the Heian period along with Buddhist thought, and seems to have spread particularly in connection with the teaching of “non-killing” (fusesshō). This proverb also appears in Edo period literature and became established as a phrase expressing “mercy toward the weak,” which resonates with the spirit of bushido.
What’s interesting is that this proverb represents not simply a spirit of animal protection, but the concept of “benevolence” and “compassion” that the strong should show toward the weak. It embodies a high moral concept that one should extend a helping hand to those who are cornered and seeking help, even if they are enemies.
Interesting Facts
The “bosom” mentioned in this proverb refers to the front overlap section of a kimono, unlike modern Western clothing. The bosom of kimonos worn by Japanese people until the Edo period served a role similar to modern pockets, but was much larger, with enough space for a small bird to actually fly into.
The term “cornered bird” is a special expression that is rarely used outside of this proverb. Even in modern Chinese, “cornered bird” is not used, and it is considered an ancient word that has been preserved in Japan along with this proverb.
Usage Examples
- A rival company in financial crisis asked for cooperation, so we decided to provide technical support in the spirit of “Cornered bird if enters bosom even hunter does not kill”
- A colleague I’m always in conflict with seems to be having family troubles, so let me help them out with the spirit of “Cornered bird if enters bosom even hunter does not kill”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, subtle changes have emerged in the interpretation of this proverb. With advancing globalization, it is increasingly cited as a principle of humanitarian aid in international society. This spirit is sometimes invoked when justifying support for countries suffering from natural disasters or conflicts.
However, in today’s competitive society, practicing this proverb is not necessarily always valued. In the business world, it may be viewed as “soft” or “inefficient,” and often conflicts with corporate cultures that prioritize shareholder profits above all else. Particularly in global corporations, there is a strong tendency to demand rational judgment without being swayed by emotions.
On the other hand, from the perspectives of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), the spirit of this proverb is being reevaluated. As the importance of building long-term trust relationships and social contribution is recognized, it is gaining attention as a value system that transcends short-term profits.
With the spread of social media, where corporate and individual actions are instantly disseminated worldwide, such humanitarian actions often lead to improved brand image, resulting in effects similar to “kindness is never wasted.” It could be said that old moral concepts are adapting to modern society in new forms.
When AI Hears This
When a cornered bird flies into the hunter’s embrace, a surprising psychological reversal actually occurs. This is a phenomenon that can be called the “paradoxical effect of learned helplessness.”
Normally, in desperate situations, people give up and become unable to move. However, when someone completely surrenders and entrusts themselves to their opponent’s care, the opponent’s psychology undergoes a dramatic change. For example, when someone who was arguing fiercely suddenly bows their head and says “You’re absolutely right, please help me,” the attacking party becomes instantly confused and stops their attack.
Psychologist Milgram’s experiments showed that many people obey authority figures, but conversely, people also show special reactions to “completely powerless beings.” This is an instinctive response that could be called a “protector switch.”
The core of this phenomenon lies in “forced role reversal.” Through the opponent’s complete surrender, the person who was the aggressor instantly switches to a psychological state of “I must protect this weak being.” It’s as if a switch has been flipped.
Even in modern counseling, when clients completely open their hearts and show their vulnerability, the counselor’s protective instincts work at maximum capacity. In other words, “ultimate weakness” actually possesses powerful force to control others.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is what true strength really is. Perhaps the real proof of being strong is having the power to defeat others but choosing not to use it, instead extending a helping hand.
Such situations are surprisingly common in daily life. Colleagues in trouble at work, neighbors with problems, strangers seeking help on social media. In such times, it’s important to think about what we should do “as human beings” before considering profit and loss.
While modern society tends to emphasize efficiency and rationality, sometimes being inefficient but staying close to people’s hearts creates great value in the long term. Your small kindness might become the catalyst that changes someone’s life.
No human is perfect. We usually compete and sometimes conflict with each other. But when someone truly in trouble appears before us, we can extend a helping hand beyond their position or past circumstances. Perhaps we can create such a warm society through each person’s mindfulness. The warmth of your bosom will surely become a light of hope for someone.
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