How to Read “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out”
Iru wo hakari te izuru wo nasu
Meaning of “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out”
“Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out” means you should decide your spending based on your income.
First, you need to understand clearly how much money or resources are coming in. Then you plan what goes out within that range.
This represents a basic principle of financial management.
This proverb is used in household budgeting and business operations. It warns against the danger of spending exceeding income.
If you make spending plans before knowing your income, you will eventually fail. But if you base your spending on reliable income, you can maintain stable management and life.
Even today, many people suffer from credit card overuse and unplanned debt. This proverb still holds important meaning as timeless wisdom to avoid such situations.
Origin and Etymology
This phrase likely comes from the expression “量入為出” in the “Royal Regulations” chapter of the ancient Chinese text “Book of Rites.”
The Book of Rites is one of the important Confucian classics. It records ancient Chinese ritual systems and political philosophy.
“量入為出” literally reads as “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out.” It was taught as a basic principle of national finance.
Originally, this was not wisdom for personal household management. It was guidance for rulers on how to manage state finances.
The idea was to accurately assess expected revenue first, then create spending plans accordingly. This approach was considered absolutely fundamental for a nation’s stable existence.
This philosophy came to Japan and became established as practical wisdom in samurai society and the merchant world.
During the Edo period, this principle was emphasized when reforming domain finances. It was also widely accepted as a family motto among merchant houses.
Measure accurately what comes in, and spend accordingly. This principle seems obvious but is difficult to practice. Yet it has been passed down through the ages.
Usage Examples
- The basic principle of “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out” is to set next month’s budget after this month’s salary is confirmed
- I forgot “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out” and invested in equipment based only on projected sales
Universal Wisdom
“Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out” has been passed down for thousands of years. This is probably because humans have a fundamental desire to use more than they have.
We constantly dream of better lives, bigger businesses, and richer futures. The heart that pursues dreams is wonderful. But it also carries the danger of losing sight of reality.
Human psychology has an interesting characteristic. What goes out is harder to grasp than what comes in.
We feel joy on payday, but daily small expenses don’t stick in memory. We get excited about big sales, but tend to overlook accumulating costs.
This cognitive gap has led many people into difficulty.
This proverb teaches more than just calculation techniques. It teaches two qualities necessary for human maturity: “the courage to face reality” and “the wisdom to control desire.”
To accurately measure what comes in requires courage to look at the current situation calmly, without wishful thinking.
To keep what goes out within that range requires wisdom to reconcile with infinite desires.
When you acquire these two qualities, you can finally walk a sustainable life.
When AI Hears This
From a physics perspective, this proverb contains surprising insight. The first law of thermodynamics teaches that “energy is conserved.”
But the second law tells us that “usable energy always decreases.” For example, burning 100 units of fuel only yields 30 to 40 units of actual work. The rest dissipates as waste heat.
If you ignore this gap between “100 coming in” and “30 usable,” the system will inevitably fail.
What’s interesting is that this proverb says to measure what comes in first. Modern thermal power plants also measure the energy content of fuel first.
Then they calculate the theoretical efficiency limit (Carnot efficiency) and design actual output accordingly. Coal-fired plants have about 40 percent efficiency.
This means only less than half of what comes in can be converted to what goes out. Plans are made based on this reality.
The human body is the same. About 60 percent of calories from food disappears maintaining body temperature. Only a portion can actually be used for activity.
Ancient people didn’t know thermodynamics, but they understood this “quality degradation” through experience.
Don’t overestimate input, and factor in inevitable losses when deciding output. This was an extremely rational survival strategy following the laws of the universe.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern you is about the balance between freedom and constraint.
At first glance, “Measure what comes in and then spend what goes out” might feel like a restrictive limitation. But actually, this is a method for obtaining true freedom.
When you accept the constraint of living within your income, you are freed from the anxiety of debt.
The fear of being chased by payments, the dread of collection calls—you become free from such mental burdens.
The peace of mind gained by accepting constraints is far more valuable than the temporary satisfaction that unplanned freedom gives.
Modern society overflows with messages saying “get it right now.” But stop and think for a moment. What do you really need?
Know accurately what comes in, and choose wisely what goes out. This habit builds a solid foundation for your life.
It’s not just a money-saving technique. It’s about gaining the power to control your own life.
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