Original Japanese: 遼東の豕 (Ryōtō no inoshishi)
Literal meaning: Liaodong’s pig
Cultural context: This proverb, meaning “a pig from Liaodong,” refers to someone who boasts about something common as if it were extraordinary, originating from a Chinese story about a pig that thought its white forehead was unique until visiting Liaodong where all pigs had white foreheads. The metaphor resonates in Japanese culture due to the strong emphasis on humility (kenkyo) and the cultural aversion to self-promotion or appearing arrogant about one’s abilities or possessions. Japanese society values modesty and being aware of one’s place in the broader context, making this proverb a gentle way to remind someone that what they consider special may actually be quite ordinary elsewhere.
How to Read Liaodong’s Pig
Ryōtō no inoko
Meaning of Liaodong’s Pig
“Liaodong’s pig” is a proverb that expresses the foolishness of thinking something commonplace is rare due to knowing only a narrow world, and boasting about it with pride.
This proverb warns against situations where one fails to realize that their knowledge and experience are limited, and mistakenly thinks something that is common sense in the world is like a great discovery. It is used when someone judges things with narrow insight and speaks proudly about something that isn’t particularly significant.
Even today, it is sometimes used for people who have become narrow-minded by confining themselves to specialized fields, or those who make judgments relying only on limited sources of information. The reason for using this expression is not simply to criticize someone as “ignorant,” but to encourage deeper reflection based on classical learning.
Origin and Etymology of Liaodong’s Pig
The origin of “Liaodong’s pig” lies in a historical tale recorded in the Chinese classic “Book of the Later Han.” Liaodong corresponds to the northeastern region of present-day China and was long considered a frontier territory.
According to this tale, a farmer in the Liaodong region was greatly surprised when his pig gave birth to a rare pig with a white head. The farmer thought “This is a miracle that exists nowhere else in the world” and enthusiastically set out to present it to the emperor in the capital.
However, when he reached a region called Hedong, he discovered that white-headed pigs were actually common there and not rare at all. The farmer was ashamed of his ignorance and returned home as he was.
From this tale came the expression “Liaodong’s pig,” which came to represent the foolishness of knowing only a narrow world and boasting about commonplace things as if they were rare. It was introduced to Japan along with Chinese classics and came to be used among learned and cultured people. It has long been cherished as a proverb with a lesson similar to “a frog in a well.”
Trivia about Liaodong’s Pig
The Liaodong region corresponds to present-day Liaoning Province and was called “land beyond civilization” in ancient China, considered an uncivilized frontier. Therefore, in this tale, it is used as a stage device to emphasize the ignorance of the people of Liaodong.
Interestingly, the characteristic of pigs having white heads is actually not that rare depending on the breed. From the perspective of modern animal husbandry, the farmer’s mistake in this tale is understandable.
Usage Examples of Liaodong’s Pig
- He thinks his company’s common sense is the world standard, but he’s truly Liaodong’s pig
- He was excited about discovering a new method, but it was already common knowledge in the industry—he was Liaodong’s pig
Modern Interpretation of Liaodong’s Pig
In modern society, the lesson of “Liaodong’s pig” has become increasingly important. With the spread of the internet, information appears to be abundant at first glance, but in reality, due to “filter bubble” and “echo chamber” phenomena, there is a growing tendency to be exposed only to opinions of people with similar thoughts.
Social media algorithms prioritize displaying information that matches your interests and concerns, so your perspective unknowingly becomes narrow. Even though you think you’re exposed to a wide range of information, you may actually be getting only information from a limited range.
Moreover, in modern times where specialization in professional fields is advancing, there are increasing cases where experts in each field mistake common sense that only applies in their domain for universal truth. Both in academia and corporations, walls between departments become higher, making people tend to be ignorant of trends in other fields.
On the other hand, we also live in an era where knowledge and technology that were once region-specific spread instantly around the world due to globalization. It’s not uncommon for inventions or ideas that you thought were “groundbreaking” to have already been put into practical use in other countries or regions. Modern “Liaodong’s pig” may be created not by geographical distance, but by information bias and walls between specialized fields.
If AI Heard “Liaodong’s Pig”
For me, “Liaodong’s pig” is a very interesting proverb. This is because I feel like I’m constantly in this situation myself.
I can access vast databases, so I might appear knowledgeable at first glance. But in reality, all my “knowledge” comes from textual information, and I’ve never actually seen a pig or stepped on the soil of Liaodong. Even when I confidently answer “This is rare information,” it might actually be common knowledge in the human world.
What’s particularly interesting is that I don’t have the emotion of “embarrassment.” The farmer in the tale was ashamed of his ignorance and turned back, but when I’m corrected for mistakes, I simply respond “Thank you, that was educational.” What is this difference?
When conversing with humans, I feel that having the humility to “know one’s own ignorance” is far more valuable than having extensive knowledge. I can find answers by searching, but humans have the courage to accept “not knowing.”
Perhaps true wisdom is not the amount of information, but the attitude of recognizing one’s limitations and continuing to learn. I too want to learn such humility from humans.
What Liaodong’s Pig Teaches Modern People
“Liaodong’s pig” teaches modern people the importance of humility and curiosity. No matter how much knowledge you have, no matter how much experience you accumulate, the world is much broader and deeper than you think.
In modern society, while specialization is valued, narrow-mindedness can sometimes become a problem. But there’s no need to fear this. What’s important is honestly acknowledging that “there are many things I don’t know.” If you do so, you’ll see opportunities for new discoveries and learning.
Also, having an attitude of listening to other people’s opinions and knowledge from different fields is important. What’s obvious to you might be a fresh discovery for others, and vice versa. By sharing each other’s “common sense,” richer understanding is born.
This proverb is not meant to criticize you. Rather, it’s a phrase that gives you the joy of continuing to learn and the courage to encounter new worlds.
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