How to Read “Even a beggar has their place”
Kojiki mo basho
Meaning of “Even a beggar has their place”
This proverb means that even beggars choose where to ask for alms and have their own territories. Similarly, people of any status or position need proper preparation and planning to accomplish things.
Even those who seem to have no plans are actually choosing locations and considering timing to survive. If this is true for them, then preparation and planning are even more important for those of us living ordinary lives.
People use this proverb when someone neglects preparation or tries to do things without planning. It serves as a warning that “even small things require proper planning” and “preparation is necessary regardless of social status.” This expression conveys the wisdom of our ancestors.
Even today, this paradoxical expression effectively teaches the importance of planning.
Origin and Etymology
The exact literary origin of this proverb is unclear. However, scholars believe it emerged from common culture during the Edo period.
Beggars of that time actually had strict territorial awareness. The foot of a bridge, temple gates, corners of busy streets – each had their designated “place.” Other beggars could not intrude without permission.
This was not just custom but survival wisdom. Identifying places with heavy foot traffic and where people gave alms easily was directly connected to staying alive.
This saying reflects the sharp observation skills of Edo people. They noticed that even those at the bottom of society chose locations, considered timing, and had strategies to survive. From this fact, they drew a universal lesson: “People of any position need preparation and planning to accomplish things.”
Because social class was strictly defined in that era, using the lowest position as an example emphasized the universality of this teaching. It was a paradoxical and memorable way to say that planning matters for everyone.
Usage Examples
- If you’re starting a new business, remember that even a beggar has their place – start with market research first
- No matter how much passion you have, even a beggar has their place – you won’t succeed without preparation
Universal Wisdom
The universal truth in “Even a beggar has their place” is the depth of human survival instinct and wisdom. This proverb sharply recognizes that no matter how desperate the situation, people think, choose, and strategize to survive.
Even those at the bottom of society don’t simply surrender to fate. They also consider where to beg for better results, what time works best, and how to behave to gain sympathy. This shows the inherent human power to adapt to environments and survive.
This proverb has been passed down for generations because it touches on human nature beyond class or position. We often look at people less fortunate than ourselves and assume they lack planning. But in reality, people in any position use their wisdom to do their best within their circumstances.
This teaching also serves as a warning to ourselves. If even those at the bottom of society choose their place and consider their approach, then we who have more choices and resources cannot neglect preparation. This paradoxical message is embedded in the saying.
Human dignity lies in the attitude of using wisdom in any situation and striving for better results.
When AI Hears This
If a beggar earns ten times more at a train station than in an alley, that’s not a difference in effort or ability. It’s purely a difference in “channel capacity.” In information theory, no matter how excellent the message, the amount of information transmitted is limited by the channel’s capacity.
If only three people pass through an alley per hour, you can only physically get three people’s responses no matter how much you appeal. At a station, 300 people pass by. This means 100 times the channel capacity.
More important is the signal-to-noise ratio. Stations have many people, but also much “noise” like signs, music, and other beggars. On the other hand, on a street in an upscale residential area, there are fewer passersby, but a beggar stands out as a strong signal.
The optimal place isn’t simply where many people are. It’s determined by multiplying “the absolute number of people who might receive your message” by “the probability of catching their attention.”
This applies to all modern information distribution. For YouTubers to get views, they can choose popular genres or target less competitive niches. Choosing which channel to use often makes a 100-times difference in results before improving message quality.
Choosing a place is a mathematical optimization problem that maximizes the probability of information reaching its target.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people that we must never underestimate the value of preparation and planning, no matter how small the action.
We sometimes believe that our abilities and passion alone can accomplish things. However, the fact that even those in the harshest environments choose their place and consider timing shows the universal importance of preparation.
When starting a new project, considering a job change, or building relationships, everything has a preparation stage equivalent to “choosing a place.”
Modern society often emphasizes speed and demands immediate results. But starting quickly is different from starting without preparation. Whatever your goal, take time to identify the right “place” to achieve it.
Research the market, build connections, polish your skills. Such steady preparation is the surest path to success.
Preparation is never a waste of time. It’s the wisest investment to maximize your efforts.
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