How to Read “Measure the shoe and cut the foot”
Kutsu wo hakarite ashi wo kezuru
Meaning of “Measure the shoe and cut the foot”
This proverb shows the foolishness of forcing reality to fit a standard, instead of adjusting the standard to match reality.
Normally, shoes are made to fit feet. But this saying reverses that idea. It imagines trying to make feet fit shoes instead.
This backwards thinking is the core of the proverb. Rules, systems, and plans exist to improve human life and real situations.
However, sometimes protecting the standard becomes the goal itself. People sacrifice reality just to follow the rules. This proverb criticizes such backwards situations.
It’s used when organizations become too focused on formalities. Or when rigid rules bind situations. For example, when people force unreasonable responses instead of changing outdated rules.
Even today, this saying remains important. It warns against inflexible thinking and formalism that loses sight of its purpose.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb likely comes from ancient Chinese classics. The most accepted theory traces it to a fable recorded in a book called “Huainanzi.”
The story goes like this. Someone obtained a new pair of shoes. But the shoes didn’t fit their feet. They were too small.
Normally, you would remake the shoes or find ones that fit. But this person thought backwards. They tried to make their feet fit the shoes by cutting their feet smaller.
“Measure” means to use a ruler to determine size. So the phrase describes using the shoe as the standard and forcing the foot to match it.
This fable traveled to Japan and became established as a proverb. It shows the foolishness of reversing proper order and confusing means with ends.
Shoes are tools to protect feet. They should be made to fit feet. Yet trying to make humans fit the tool is completely backwards.
This clear metaphor is a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse. Its simple imagery continues to warn people across generations.
Usage Examples
- Trying to make the workplace fit the new system is exactly like “Measure the shoe and cut the foot”
- Making students suffer just to follow rules is “Measure the shoe and cut the foot” educational policy, isn’t it?
Universal Wisdom
“Measure the shoe and cut the foot” reveals a mental trap humans easily fall into. Why do we take such obviously foolish actions?
It’s because we attach special value to standards and systems we’ve created. Rules we spent time making. Systems we struggled to introduce. Methods passed down as tradition.
These things start to seem inherently justified. Without noticing, means replace ends as our purpose.
Even more serious is the fear of changing standards. Changing a standard means admitting previous judgments were wrong. This feels like it damages our authority and dignity.
So people try to change reality instead. Even when it’s unreasonable, they protect the standard to preserve their sense of being right.
This proverb has been passed down for so long because this human tendency never changes across time. Both organizations and individuals constantly forget to ask “what is this standard for?”
Our ancestors brilliantly expressed this universal foolishness through the familiar example of shoes and feet. It still speaks to us today, warning us not to lose sight of what truly matters.
When AI Hears This
System design always involves choosing “what to fix and what to change.” This proverb shows the destructive chain reaction that happens when you make the wrong choice.
Shoes should be the “dependent variable” adjusted to fit feet. Feet are the “objective variable” to be protected. But the moment you reverse these two, the entire system collapses.
What’s interesting is that this reversal doesn’t always come from stupidity. Rather, it arises from seemingly rational reasons. “The shoe is already complete.” “Changing the shoe costs too much.” “We’ve already invested in the shoe.”
The same structure appears in modern business. For example, a company optimizes “click rate” because it’s easy to measure. Meanwhile, they damage “customer satisfaction,” which was the original goal.
Click rate is the shoe, and customer satisfaction is the foot. But because clicks are easy to measure, the relationship gets reversed.
Machine learning shows the same phenomenon as “loss function design errors.” Optimization algorithms perfectly minimize the given function. But if the function itself is wrong, the system accurately moves in the wrong direction.
The essence of this proverb is a warning: “Optimization always succeeds. The problem is what you choose to optimize.”
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you the importance of constantly asking “what for?” in your modern life.
Countless rules, customs, and systems surround us. They should exist to make our lives better. But haven’t they sometimes become goals in themselves?
Company regulations, school rules, family customs. It’s important to occasionally stop and consider whether they still fit current reality.
If you feel something is off, that might be an important signal. Try asking “is this really necessary?” or “whose standard is this for?”
Changing standards is never shameful. Rather, it’s a courageous act of facing reality and seeking better methods.
Also reflect on your own thinking. Are you forcing reality to match your values or plans? Having flexibility isn’t weakness—it’s strength.
Accepting reality and changing accordingly. This kind of flexibility will guide you toward a richer life.
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