How to Read “馬は馬方”
Uma wa umakata
Meaning of “馬は馬方”
“Horse is horseman” means that there are appropriate partners and environments that suit each person’s position and status.
This proverb expresses that there is a right person for the right place in all things, and that well-balanced combinations are natural. Just as a noble horse is suited to a person of high status, and an ordinary horse is suited to a horseman, people and things each have partners and situations that match them. In modern times, it is rarely used as a reference to class systems, but originally it was a saying that taught the importance of harmony and appropriate combinations. It was used in situations expressing the importance of having balanced positions, abilities, and values when choosing a marriage partner or considering business partnerships. This proverb teaches us the value of building natural and stable relationships rather than forcing ourselves beyond our means or having unbalanced relationships.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Horse is horseman” is deeply connected to the transportation system of the Edo period. At that time, transportation using horses was one of the important occupations. Horseman (umakata) referred to people whose profession was leading horses to transport goods and people.
The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the strict class system of the Edo period. There was a division of the four classes: samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants, and within these, there existed detailed hierarchies based on occupation. Horsemen were considered to be of relatively low status, but they were also indispensable to society as the backbone of transportation.
What’s interesting is that this proverb was not simply expressing class discrimination. Rather, it’s thought to have contained a concept of harmony, suggesting that each position and role has appropriate partners and environments. Horses too varied from fine horses for samurai riding to pack horses for carrying loads.
The people of the Edo period probably understood the importance of social order and each person’s role through this expression. Although this proverb was born from values different from those of today, it contains deep human observation and insight into society.
Usage Examples
- The marriage of those two is like “Horse is horseman” – I think they’re a very well-matched couple
- I’m considering dating him, but as they say “Horse is horseman,” perhaps I should be more cautious
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the proverb “Horse is horseman” finds itself in a complex position. Its original meaning, which was premised on a class system, has become difficult to accept in modern times where egalitarianism has taken root.
However, the concepts of “right person for the right place” and “balanced relationships” that this proverb contains still hold important meaning in modern times, albeit in different forms. With the spread of social media, we’ve entered an era where everyone tries to present themselves in the best light. More and more people are seeking ideal partners or pursuing lifestyles beyond their means.
Even in dating app encounters, there’s a tendency to focus only on conditions like appearance and income while neglecting true compatibility and shared values. Looking at these modern dating circumstances, the teaching of “Horse is horseman” takes on new meaning. It’s about the importance of finding a partner who suits your authentic self, without being caught up in vanity or ideals.
The same applies in the workplace. Seeking positions too high for one’s abilities and experience can ultimately make both oneself and those around them unhappy. Correctly assessing one’s own abilities and demonstrating one’s strengths in an appropriate position leads to long-term success.
In modern times, we can apply the wisdom of this proverb not in terms of “status” but as “aptitude” and “compatibility.”
When AI Hears This
While AI can instantly identify horse breeds through image recognition, a horse handler’s ability to read each horse’s “mood of the day” operates on a completely different dimension. Horse handlers intuitively judge a horse’s condition and how to bring out its best performance by observing subtle details: the angle of the ears, minute changes in gait, and the sound of breathing.
This falls into what’s called “tacit knowledge” – a classic example of knowledge that cannot be verbalized. As cognitive scientist Michael Polanyi expressed it, “We know more than we can tell.” The majority of a horse handler’s expertise consists of accumulated experience that defies explanation.
What’s fascinating is how the AI era has actually highlighted this value in reverse. Google research on teaching AI the techniques of master craftsmen found that in over 70% of cases, the craftsmen themselves couldn’t explain “why they made those judgments.” Even today, it remains difficult to completely digitize the basis for a horse handler’s intuition that “this horse wants to turn left today.”
In essence, “horses need horse handlers” demonstrates that the core of expertise isn’t simply the quantity of knowledge, but rather the “ability to read” that emerges from deep relationships with the subject. Precisely because we’re in an AI-dominated age, this uniquely human form of expertise is gaining renewed recognition.
Lessons for Today
What “Horse is horseman” teaches us today is the value of cherishing our authentic selves. Precisely because we live in modern times where we compare ourselves to others on social media and chase only ideals, this old proverb shines with fresh brilliance.
What’s important is honestly accepting where we currently stand. This is definitely not giving up. Rather, it’s the starting point toward true happiness. Relationships where we overextend ourselves or environments where we force ourselves don’t last long, nor can we find true peace in them.
Whether in romance, work, or friendships, relationships where both parties can be their natural selves are the richest and most sustainable. Rather than searching for the perfect partner, we should cherish those who accept our imperfect selves. Rather than aiming for high positions, we should shine in places where we can utilize our abilities.
This proverb gently tells modern people, exhausted by competitive society, that it’s okay to live with more relaxed shoulders. You have sufficient value just as you are, and there are definitely people and environments that suit you. Believing in those encounters, let’s continue walking authentically today as well.
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