How to Read “豚もおだてりゃ木に登る”
Buta mo odaterya ki ni noboru
Meaning of “豚もおだてりゃ木に登る”
The original meaning of this proverb is: “No matter how much you flatter someone, what is impossible due to their abilities or nature is absolutely impossible.”
Just as a pig cannot climb a tree no matter how much it is flattered, humans also have limits to their innate abilities and aptitudes, and it is meaningless to force them beyond these limits. The interpretation commonly seen today that “flattery can make anyone capable of anything” is actually the complete opposite of the original meaning.
This proverb is mainly used as a warning when one is about to lose sight of reality. For example, when trying to assign an impossible task to someone who clearly lacks the ability, or when unrealistic expectations are placed on someone ignoring their aptitude, one would say “that’s like saying ‘Pig too if flattered tree climbs.'”
In other words, this proverb is not denying effort or encouragement, but teaching the importance of realistic judgment. It shows the importance of understanding that each person has their strengths and weaknesses, and giving them appropriate roles based on this understanding.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of this proverb, no clear documentary evidence has been found at present. However, it is believed to have begun being used among common people from the late Edo period to the Meiji era.
The reason why “pig” was chosen as the animal is quite interesting. Pigs are originally four-legged animals that walk firmly on the ground, making them the most unlikely creatures to climb trees. This physical impossibility is the very essence of this proverb. People in the Edo period, seeing the pig’s heavy body and short legs, must have felt that “there is no animal less suited to tree climbing than this.”
The word “flatter” (odateru) is also an important element. Since ancient times in Japan, making someone feel good by praising them has been expressed as “odateru.” However, this proverb focuses on the superficial and temporary nature of “flattery.”
It is speculated that the merchant culture of the Edo period was behind the birth of this proverb. Flattering customers was an important skill in business, but people also understood its limitations. No matter how much you flatter, what cannot be done cannot be done. This practical wisdom was expressed through the extreme combination of pigs and tree climbing.
Interesting Facts
Pigs are actually very intelligent animals, considered to have higher intelligence than dogs. They also have excellent memory and can even learn their own names. However, due to their heavy weight and short legs, tree climbing is physically impossible for them.
The act of “flattering” used in this proverb actually doesn’t work on pigs. Pigs are very practical animals and will hardly change their behavior without concrete rewards like food.
Usage Examples
- You want your son to become a doctor, but with those grades, it’s like “Pig too if flattered tree climbs”
- The manager is praising Tanaka-san who isn’t suited for sales, but it’s “Pig too if flattered tree climbs” – it’s unrealistic
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the original meaning of this proverb is greatly misunderstood. Due to the influence of SNS and media, the trend of “you can do anything if you try” and “nothing is impossible with motivation” has strengthened, and more people are using “Pig too if flattered tree climbs” to mean “praise improves ability.”
However, this is putting the cart before the horse. Perhaps the original teaching of this proverb is more important than ever in modern times. As we enter the AI era, it becomes increasingly important to identify each person’s individuality and aptitude. Not everyone needs to aim for the same thing; what is required is for each person to demonstrate their abilities in their areas of strength.
This misunderstanding is also creating serious problems in educational settings. Grit-based thinking like “everyone can get into Tokyo University if they try hard” can actually cause children to suffer. If we understand the original meaning of the proverb, we should realize the importance of finding and developing each child’s aptitude rather than placing unrealistic expectations on them.
The same applies in the business world. Rather than flattering subordinates and forcing impossible tasks on them, being mindful of placing the right person in the right position leads to the success of the entire organization. This proverb can be said to be increasing in value in modern society that emphasizes diversity.
When AI Hears This
The “runaway need for validation” occurring on modern social media is exactly the phenomenon of a pig climbing a tree. According to psychology’s “dopamine loop theory,” every time people receive praise, pleasure chemicals are released in their brains, leading them into an addictive state where they crave more.
For example, the endless stream of videos shot in dangerous locations on TikTok results from people getting intoxicated by “likes” – the modern version of “flattery.” People who started with ordinary posts gradually become more extreme as their followers increase. This perfectly matches the structure of a pig getting carried away by praise and attempting to climb a tree, something it fundamentally cannot do.
What’s fascinating is the behavioral pattern of controversial influencers. They transform even critical comments into pleasure by viewing them as “proof they’re getting attention.” In other words, even when they’re about to fall from the tree, they continue to have the illusion that they “can still climb higher.”
American research has revealed that when people see “likes” on social media, the same brain regions activate as when winning at gambling. Modern people are placed in an environment where they are “continuously flattered” on a scale that people in the Edo period could never have imagined, and the reality is that pigs climbing trees has become an everyday occurrence.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of “the courage not to overdo it.” While it’s wonderful to work hard to become capable of anything, sometimes it’s necessary to acknowledge “this is not for me.”
You surely have things you’re good at and things you’re not good at. While effort to overcome weaknesses is important, try spending more time developing your strengths. Rather than a pig wasting time trying to climb a tree, it’s much more valuable to perfect a pig-like way of living.
The same applies when looking at people around you. Rather than forcing someone to work hard in their weak areas, find and utilize that person’s good points. Isn’t that true compassion?
Modern times are an era of diversity. Everyone doesn’t need to be the same. You be yourself, I’ll be myself. We can support each other while cherishing our respective individualities. This proverb might be teaching us hints for creating such a gentle society.
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