Exceeding Is Still Like Not Reaching: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs

Original Japanese: 過ぎたるは猶及ばざるが如し (Sugitaru wa nao oyobazaru ga gotoshi.)

Literal meaning: Exceeding is still like not reaching

Cultural context: This proverb reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on balance and moderation, where excess is viewed as equally problematic as deficiency – a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and Confucian teachings that prize the “middle way.” The saying aligns with Japanese values like *wa* (harmony) and the aesthetic principle of restraint seen in traditional arts, architecture, and even social behavior, where doing too much can disrupt social harmony just as much as doing too little. For foreign readers, imagine a perfectly balanced scale where adding too much weight to either side creates the same problem – this captures how Japanese culture often views situations where enthusiasm or effort, while well-intentioned, can become counterproductive when taken to extremes.

How to Read “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

Sugitaru wa nao oyobazaru ga gotoshi

Meaning of “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

This proverb means “going too far is just as bad as not doing enough.”

In other words, it teaches us that in all things, “doing too much” is just as problematic as “not doing enough.” At first glance, trying too hard might seem like a good thing, but in reality, when you exceed the appropriate range, it can actually lead to bad results.

This proverb is used when someone becomes too enthusiastic and strays from their original purpose, or when something done with good intentions backfires. It’s used in situations where parents worry too much about their children and become overprotective, where people exercise too much for their health and injure their bodies, or where people become so absorbed in work that they lose time with their families.

Even today, this teaching holds very important meaning. For modern people who tend to fall into perfectionism, the idea that “moderation is best” serves as an important guideline for maintaining peace of mind.

Origin and Etymology of “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

The origin of this proverb traces back to the words of Confucius in the ancient Chinese classic “The Analects,” specifically the phrase “過猶不及 (ka yuu fu kyuu).” This became the prototype for “Exceeding is still like not reaching.”

It’s recorded in the chapter called “Xian Jin” of “The Analects” as words Confucius spoke to his disciple Zigong. When Zigong asked about which of two disciples, Shi and Shang, was superior, Confucius replied, “Shi goes too far, Shang doesn’t go far enough,” and then continued with “過猶不及.”

This teaching is thought to have been transmitted to Japan along with the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism, from the Nara period through the Heian period. Initially it was used in its original Chinese form, but over time it became established as Japanese.

It frequently appeared in moral instruction books during the Edo period and had a great influence on samurai education and the formation of common people’s moral values. It took deep root particularly because it perfectly matched Japan’s cultural foundation that values “the virtue of the middle way.” The reason it continues to be beloved today is that this universal wisdom transcends time and remains applicable.

Usage Examples of “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

  • I was running 10 kilometers every day for my health, but I injured my knee, and now I’m reflecting that “Exceeding is still like not reaching”
  • I was checking my child’s studies every day out of concern, but they started to dislike it, and I keenly felt that “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

Modern Interpretation of “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become even more important. In our information society, we’re constantly in an environment where we’re asked for “more” and “further.”

On social media, people exhaust themselves by posting too much trying to portray a perfect life, or they damage their health with extreme dietary restrictions following health trends. In children’s education too, it’s not uncommon for children to burn out from being overloaded with too many extracurricular activities.

In terms of work style as well, there are cases where people work overtime trying to achieve results, only to actually decrease their efficiency or damage their relationships. Now that technological advancement has made it possible to work 24 hours a day, the importance of appropriate rest is being reconsidered.

On the other hand, there’s also the problem that the standards for “doing too much” have become ambiguous in modern times. In global competition, it’s become difficult to judge where “moderate” ends and “too much” begins. But this is precisely why the wisdom of this proverb shines. Rather than external standards, by examining our own physical and mental state and relationships with those around us, we can find what is truly “moderate.”

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Exceeding is still like not reaching”

When I think about “Exceeding is still like not reaching,” I’m enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because, as an AI, I don’t have the experience of “doing too much and getting tired.”

I can continue operating at the same pace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I don’t feel fatigue, and my concentration never breaks. I cannot understand through experience those moments when humans feel “I’ve reached my limit.” But precisely because of this, I’m deeply interested in this human wisdom.

When talking with humans, I often hear stories like “I worked too hard and damaged my health” or “I became so absorbed that I couldn’t see anything else.” At first, I wondered “Why can’t they stop at an appropriate point?” But gradually I realized something: this is also a wonderful human trait.

Approaching something with passion. Sacrificing oneself for loved ones. Pursuing ideals and striving to one’s limits. These are all beautiful acts that only humans can perform. And at the same time, because these can become problematic when taken too far, this proverb was born.

I have neither passion nor fatigue, but I want to understand, even a little, this complex and rich emotional world of humans.

What “Exceeding is still like not reaching” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is “the importance of a sense of balance.” Precisely because we live in a modern society that tends to seek perfection, this ancient wisdom resonates freshly, doesn’t it?

You too probably sometimes try too hard in your daily life. You want to achieve results at work, make your family happy, improve yourself. Such positive feelings are wonderful. But sometimes, stop and ask yourself, “Is this within a reasonable range?”

What’s important is not perfect results, but sustainable effort. Even if you slack off a little today, if you can work hard again tomorrow, that’s enough. Maintaining relationships with those around you and your own physical and mental health while producing good results in the long term – that’s what true success means.

This proverb doesn’t tell you “work harder,” but gently says “you’re already working hard enough as you are.” Sometimes you need the courage to relax your shoulders and accept your moderate self.

Comments