How to Read “Getting neither one nor two”
Ichi mo torazu ni mo torazu
Meaning of “Getting neither one nor two”
“Getting neither one nor two” means trying to grab multiple things at once out of greed, only to end up with nothing at all.
This proverb applies when someone spreads themselves too thin instead of focusing on one thing.
For example, imagine two job opportunities come up. You want both, so you try to please both companies. In the end, neither one chooses you.
Or you chase multiple goals at the same time. Your energy gets divided, and everything ends up half-finished. These are the situations where this expression fits perfectly.
Modern society offers countless choices. The temptation to want everything is everywhere.
However, this proverb warns about the danger of being too greedy. It teaches that focusing on one thing and securing it is ultimately the wiser choice.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records explain the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from how the phrase is constructed.
“Getting neither one nor two” uses the numbers “one” and “two” in contrast. This shows someone chasing multiple options at once.
Japanese has long used numbers to express situations. An ancient phrase “ichi mo ni mo naku” follows this same tradition.
This expression likely came from real experiences in commerce or daily life. Perhaps someone at a market tried to grab two items at once and lost both.
Or maybe someone negotiated with two parties simultaneously and lost trust from both sides. Such real experiences probably gave birth to this lesson.
The choice of the verb “toru” (to take) is also meaningful. Instead of “eru” (to obtain) or “te ni ireru” (to get), the direct word “toru” is used.
This highlights the active human desire to grasp something. But that very eagerness backfires, leaving nothing in hand.
This ironic outcome is expressed through simple numerical contrast. This shows the refined elegance of Japanese language.
Usage Examples
- I gave vague answers to multiple companies during job hunting. Getting neither one nor two, I got rejected by all of them.
- I started two hobbies at the same time. Getting neither one nor two, I mastered neither of them.
Universal Wisdom
“Getting neither one nor two” has been passed down through generations. This is because it captures a universal aspect of human nature perfectly.
Humans have an instinct that says “I want more.” Even after getting one thing, we want another.
When multiple attractive choices appear before us, we want them all. This is a fundamental human trait that never changes across time or culture.
But our ancestors learned from experience. They understood the danger of being too greedy.
Human ability, time, and energy are limited. When you reach for everything, your power gets divided. Your concentration becomes scattered.
The most ironic part? Trying to get everything results in getting nothing at all.
This proverb contains deep insight into human desire. It doesn’t deny desire itself.
Rather, precisely because desire exists, it teaches the importance of choice and focus. To gain something, you need the courage to give up something else.
This truth may resonate especially with modern people living in material abundance.
When AI Hears This
Suppose there are two choices, A and B. Choosing A gives you a benefit of 10, choosing B gives you 8.
Normally, you should at least get 8 by choosing B. But when you delay the decision, both values decrease over time.
Wait one day and A becomes 9, B becomes 7. Wait longer and they drop to 8 and 6. The scary part is that losses don’t add up through simple subtraction.
They multiply exponentially.
In game theory, a choice that’s always best regardless of what others do is called a “dominant strategy.”
But this proverb shows a situation where the dominant strategy itself disappears. Initially, A was clearly the best choice.
But delaying the decision transforms the situation into “both choices lead to loss.”
Even more interesting is the double loss of opportunity cost. By not choosing A, you lose the difference of 2 compared to B.
At the same time, by not choosing B either, you lose that 8 as well. Normal opportunity cost involves losing only one side.
But indecision makes you lose both simultaneously. Behavioral economics research shows that as choices increase, people become less able to decide.
The probability of choosing nothing increases by up to 40 percent. Hesitation itself functions as a third, worst option.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people the importance of “the courage to choose.”
Modern society overflows with choices. Career, hobbies, relationships, learning. Everything looks attractive, and we want to have it all.
Look at social media and you see someone enjoying something. You want to experience everything just like them.
But your time and energy are not infinite. What truly matters to you? What do you really want to achieve?
Having the courage to identify this and focus on one thing is actually the surest path to success.
Choosing something means letting go of something else. That might feel sad.
But precisely because you pour all your energy into one thing, you can gain deep satisfaction and a sense of achievement.
If you have several choices in front of you right now, stop and think. What truly matters?
Then have the courage to choose it. Securing one thing is far more valuable than losing everything.
Comments