How to Read “The flying squirrel has five skills but is left helpless”
Momago gi ni shite kyūsu
Meaning of “The flying squirrel has five skills but is left helpless”
This proverb means that having many skills is useless if none of them are truly mastered. Someone may seem talented and capable of many things at first glance.
But if each skill remains at a shallow level, they cannot demonstrate real ability when it truly matters.
This proverb teaches the importance of deeply mastering one thing rather than having broad but shallow knowledge or skills.
It is used to warn people who dabble in many things but never truly learn any of them. It also emphasizes the importance of having specialized expertise.
In modern times, we live in an era that demands diverse skills. This makes the proverb’s core message about “the importance of depth” more relevant than ever.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to come from the phrase “鼯鼠五技而窮” found in the “Encouraging Learning” chapter of the ancient Chinese text “Xunzi.”
The flying squirrel was said to have five skills: flying, climbing trees, swimming, digging holes, and running.
However, each skill was mediocre. When flying, it could not clear a roof. When climbing, it could not reach the treetop.
When swimming, it could not cross a valley. When digging, it could not dig deep enough to hide itself. When running, people could catch up to it.
Xunzi taught that the same applies to learning. If you try many fields but only gain shallow knowledge in each, nothing becomes truly useful.
He used the familiar animal, the flying squirrel, to clearly convey the importance of deeply mastering one thing.
This teaching came to Japan along with Chinese classics. It has been passed down for generations as an important lesson about acquiring knowledge and skills.
Interesting Facts
Flying squirrels are actually excellent gliders in reality. They can glide over 100 meters at maximum distance.
Ancient Chinese observers likely lacked sufficient knowledge of animal behavior, leading to this misunderstanding. Interestingly, this misunderstanding created an excellent teaching.
A similar expression exists: “jack of all trades, master of none.” However, the nuance differs slightly.
“Jack of all trades” carries irony about how versatility prevents specialization. “The flying squirrel has five skills but is left helpless” has a stronger didactic meaning about attitude in learning and training.
Usage Examples
- He’s studying English, Chinese, and programming, but I think he should master one first to avoid becoming like the flying squirrel has five skills but is left helpless
- Just collecting certifications is like the flying squirrel has five skills but is left helpless—without practical experience, they’re meaningless
Universal Wisdom
Humans have an instinctive desire to know many things and become capable in many areas. The joy of trying new things and the excitement of pursuing various possibilities are driving forces that enrich life.
Yet we have only limited time and ability. This proverb has been passed down for thousands of years because it perfectly captures this fundamental human dilemma.
People constantly waver between the desire to try everything and the rational understanding that they should deeply master one thing.
The temptation to settle for superficial knowledge is strong. The effort to dig deep is plain and time-consuming.
However, what truly becomes power, helps others, and supports yourself is deeply acquired skill and knowledge.
This proverb teaches a universal truth about human growth. It tells us to value depth over breadth, quality over quantity, and substance over appearance.
Our ancestors recognized this trap that many people easily fall into. They continued to sound the alarm for future generations.
Even as times change, human nature remains the same. That is why this teaching still resonates in our hearts today.
When AI Hears This
The human brain can process about 126 bits of information per second. In information theory, this is called “bandwidth”—the capacity of a communication channel.
If you divide this limited bandwidth among five skills, simple calculation shows only about 25 bits can be allocated to each skill.
Claude Shannon, founder of information theory, mathematically demonstrated that dispersing signals in limited channel capacity reduces the signal-to-noise ratio of each signal.
Signal-to-noise ratio means the proportion of meaningful information (signal) to meaningless noise. For example, when five devices use one Wi-Fi router simultaneously, each connection slows down and videos buffer.
Human skill acquisition also has thresholds. Reaching a “usable” level in any field requires a minimum signal-to-noise ratio.
For musical instruments, this means producing accurate pitch. For languages, it means communicating effectively.
When cognitive resources are dispersed among five skills, none can exceed the threshold. The result is a state of “seeming capable but actually incapable.”
Information theory teaches a harsh fact: with fixed bandwidth, concentrated investment is the only way to achieve high-quality output.
It is remarkable that ancient Chinese observation perfectly aligns with modern mathematical theory.
Lessons for Today
We live in an age overflowing with information and infinite learning opportunities. Online courses, certification exams, new skills—attractive options surround you everywhere.
However, this proverb reminds us of something important. Real power comes from “depth.”
When you start something, do you immediately get distracted by the next new thing? Do you jump to another attractive option before digging deep into one thing?
This is not necessarily bad. But sometimes stop and think. What do you truly want to deepen right now?
This proverb teaches the courage to choose and focus. Rather than trying to have everything, choose what truly matters and master it deeply.
The deep understanding and solid skills gained through this process become the real power that supports your life.
Broad, shallow knowledge has value too. But it only comes alive when you have deep expertise as a foundation.
Do not rush. Step by step, dig deeply into your path.
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