How to Read “鹿を逐う者は山を見ず”
Shika wo ou mono wa yama wo mizu
Meaning of “鹿を逐う者は山を見ず”
“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
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.
Interesting Facts
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
- 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
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.
When AI Hears This
In today’s “attention economy,” our focus has become a scarce resource that companies fiercely compete to capture. Research shows we spend over 4 hours daily on smartphones and check notifications more than 150 times—we’re constantly chasing “deer.”
While pursuing these “deer”—social media likes, short-term stock fluctuations, viral video content—we lose sight of life’s “mountains”: deep human relationships, long-term skill development, and physical and mental health. Psychologist Herbert Simon’s “satisficing theory” explains that humans tend to jump at “good enough” options rather than optimal solutions, reacting instinctively to whatever deer appears before us.
What’s particularly fascinating is how the digital advertising industry deliberately mass-produces these “deer.” App designers weaponize behavioral economics, manipulating dopamine release patterns to capture our attention. As a result, the “mountains” we should focus on—work, learning, family time—fade into the background.
This phenomenon extends beyond individual behavior to become a societal issue. Companies chase short-term profits while causing environmental destruction, politicians pursue public opinion “deer” while neglecting long-term policy—we see this modern version of “those who chase deer cannot see the mountain” everywhere around us.
Lessons for Today
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.
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