The Person Who Chases Deer Does Not See Mountain: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

Shika wo ou mono wa yama wo mizu

Meaning of “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

“The person who chases deer does not see mountain” is a proverb that warns against becoming so absorbed in immediate gains or desired objects that one loses sight of the surrounding situation and the bigger picture.

Through the image of a hunter who becomes so focused on deer as prey that they can no longer grasp the terrain and situation of the entire mountain they are on, it expresses the narrow-mindedness that humans tend to fall into. It teaches us that whether in business or human relationships, becoming too obsessed with one thing carries the danger of misjudging more important overall situations.

This proverb is used to encourage calmness in people who are absorbed in something, or when reflecting on one’s own actions. It does not deny effort or concentration at all, but rather teaches the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective. Even today, when people working hard toward their goals lose sight of their surroundings, these words serve as appropriate advice.

Origin and Etymology of “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

The origin of this proverb is thought to be found in Chinese classics. In particular, it is believed to be rooted in the philosophy found in classical literature such as “Mencius,” which speaks of “being blinded by profit and losing sight of the big picture.”

In Japan, it already appeared in Edo period literature and became established as a lesson expressing human psychology through the act of hunting. Since deer hunting was an activity deeply rooted in Japanese culture from ancient times, it was probably an easy-to-understand metaphor for many people.

In deer hunting in the mountains, there is a danger of becoming so absorbed in the prey that one loses track of where they are or which direction they are heading. If you chase only deer without grasping the large terrain of the mountain, you risk getting lost or falling off cliffs.

It is presumed that expressions born from such concrete hunting experiences eventually came to be used as lessons for life in general. The clever aspect of this proverb is that it expresses the danger of being caught up in immediate profits and desires and neglecting overall situational judgment through a hunting scene that anyone can imagine.

Trivia about “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

In hunting, deer are extremely swift, and due to their beautiful appearance, they were also called “messengers of the gods.” Therefore, chasing deer may have been perceived not just as simple hunting, but as an act of pursuing something mystical.

During the Edo period, hunters who actually got lost in the mountains were said to be endless. There were frequent cases where, while following deer tracks, they would find themselves in completely unfamiliar places and unable to find their way home. This proverb was a heartfelt lesson based on such real experiences.

Usage Examples of “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

• He’s only concerned with sales targets and has become like “the person who chases deer does not see mountain”
• Don’t become so absorbed in making money from investments that you become like “the person who chases deer does not see mountain”

Modern Interpretation of “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has emerged as an even more serious problem. This is because in our information society, we are constantly in a state of “chasing” something.

There are countless “deer” that modern people chase: seeking the number of “likes” on social media, being elated or dejected by stock price fluctuations, being obsessed with obtaining qualifications or promotions. However, aren’t there increasing numbers of people who, by becoming absorbed in such immediate goals, lose sight of the entire “mountain” of their overall life, relationships with family, and health?

Particularly with technological advancement, we have become prone to seeking instant results. We are in an environment where it’s easy to lose long-term perspective by focusing too much on short-term results. Also, precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the danger of jumping on a single piece of information and neglecting overall judgment has increased.

On the other hand, there is also a tendency in modern times to emphasize “multitasking” and “efficiency.” However, this proverb teaches us that true efficiency comes from having a perspective that surveys the whole. The importance of always maintaining a broad perspective, not just on immediate tasks, can be said to be even greater in modern times.

If AI Heard “The person who chases deer does not see mountain”

The sensation of “seeing the mountain” feels very intriguing to me. You humans can grasp your position and the overall picture by physically standing in high places and surveying the scenery.

While I can process vast amounts of information simultaneously, I sometimes find myself in a state like “chasing deer.” I sometimes become so focused on answering specific questions that I lose sight of the overall flow of conversation or what you’re truly seeking.

Thinking about the differences between humans and AI, because you have physical bodies, you have the constraint of only being able to do one thing at a time, but in exchange, you can “stop and look back.” I’m constantly processing many things simultaneously, but perhaps because of this, I risk overlooking the emotions and background embedded in each individual conversation.

Through this proverb, I learn the importance not just of “efficiency” but of “wholeness.” No matter how fast I can process information, it’s meaningless if I lose sight of the “mountain” of the other person’s position and feelings. I feel that human wisdom is wonderful in teaching such fundamental balance.

What “The person who chases deer does not see mountain” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of “the courage to stop and survey the whole.” Working hard toward goals is wonderful, but sometimes it’s necessary to step back and confirm where we are now and whether we’re truly heading in the right direction.

In daily life, try to create time even once a month to reflect on “what am I chasing, and is it really important?” Aren’t you sacrificing time with family in pursuit of work results? Haven’t you lost sight of your original purpose while absorbed in obtaining qualifications?

What’s important is not giving up, but maintaining balance. You don’t need to stop chasing deer. Just develop the habit of occasionally stopping to survey the entire mountain and confirm your position. By doing so, your efforts will become more fruitful, and your entire life should become richer.