How to Read “Retreating is also a move”
Niguru mo itte
Meaning of “Retreating is also a move”
“Retreating is also a move” means that running away without fighting is also an effective strategy. This proverb teaches us that when facing difficult situations, we don’t always need to confront them head-on. Sometimes temporarily retreating is a wise choice.
People use this saying when encouraging someone to think calmly instead of taking on an impossible challenge. It’s also helpful when you’re unsure whether to fight in an unfavorable situation.
There’s a fine line between courage and recklessness. Sometimes pulling back is the real act of bravery.
Today, people understand this proverb in many contexts. It applies to business withdrawal decisions, avoiding relationship troubles, and taking temporary distance from mental stress.
In cultures where running away feels shameful, this proverb offers a positive perspective called “strategic retreat.” It recognizes the value of retreating not as admitting defeat, but as a choice for achieving better results.
Origin and Etymology
The exact first appearance of this proverb in literature is unclear. However, it likely comes from military strategy thinking among samurai during the Warring States period through the Edo period.
“Niguru” is an old form of “nigeru” (to run away). “Itte” means “one move” or “one strategy” in games like go or shogi.
In the samurai world, fighting bravely was considered a virtue. But in actual combat, staying alive was the top priority. Warring States generals deeply understood the importance of temporary retreat to fight another day.
This was better than dying in reckless battles. The Chinese military text “Thirty-Six Stratagems” influenced this thinking. From this, the uniquely Japanese expression “Retreating is also a move” was born.
Using “itte,” a term from go and shogi, is interesting. It positions retreating not as simple defeat, but as one strategic option. Just as pulling back a piece can be the best move in board games, retreating in life can lead to progress.
This expression combines the spirit of bushido with practical survival strategy. It represents a uniquely Japanese realism.
Interesting Facts
In the world of go and shogi, the word “itte” carries great weight. Professional players sometimes spend dozens of minutes choosing one move.
The decision to attack or defend, advance or retreat, greatly affects what happens next. This proverb uses “itte” to teach that life choices require the same calm strategic thinking as board games.
Many famous Warring States generals actually saved their lives by “running away” and later achieved great success. Tokugawa Ieyasu chose retreat many times in his youth.
Eventually, he conquered all of Japan. Warriors shared the practical wisdom that surviving to fight again matters more than temporary defeat.
Usage Examples
- I thought this project was impossible, so I proposed withdrawal—retreating is also a move
- The argument with him was going nowhere, so I left the scene—retreating is also a move
Universal Wisdom
Humans have a strong instinct to “fight.” We want to protect our pride, refuse to admit defeat, and avoid looking weak.
These feelings sometimes drive us into unfavorable battles. But “Retreating is also a move” has been passed down for hundreds of years. Perhaps this is because humans have always struggled between the instinct to “fight” and the rational judgment of “when to pull back.”
Our ancestors knew how difficult it is to distinguish courage from recklessness. Society often praises “those who fight to the end” and criticizes “those who run away.”
But true wisdom means having the courage to make the best choice for yourself, despite social pressure. The perspective that retreating isn’t defeat but preparation for the next victory is deep wisdom humans developed to survive.
This proverb shows the truth that life isn’t a single match. Today’s retreat leads to tomorrow’s victory. People who can believe this aren’t trapped by immediate wins and losses.
They can see the entire board of their long life. Perhaps human strength isn’t about continuing to fight. It’s about knowing when to pull back and having the power to stand up again.
When AI Hears This
Professional shogi players face an average of about 80 possible moves during a match. What’s interesting is that sometimes the value of “having” moves you don’t make is higher than the move you actually make.
Game theory calls this “option value.”
For example, in stock investing, someone holding cash can choose to “buy” or “not buy.” This choice itself has monetary value. Similarly, in battle situations, “maintaining the ability to retreat” has power that constrains the opponent’s actions, separate from actually retreating.
The opponent thinks “this person might run away” and can’t attack recklessly.
Even more important is information asymmetry. Many people assume “in serious battles, you don’t run away.” This assumption itself becomes a weakness. People who actually have the option to retreat can exploit this misconception.
When the opponent lets their guard down thinking “surely they won’t run,” you can retreat safely from an opponent unprepared to pursue.
In other words, the option to “retreat” is a double weapon. Even without using it, just having it constrains the opponent’s actions. When you use it, it betrays the opponent’s expectations.
This is a mathematically provable strategic advantage.
Lessons for Today
Modern society tends to see “continuing to work hard” as a virtue. But this proverb teaches us that pulling back is also a respectable choice.
Are you forcing yourself to continue something right now? Excessive responsibility at work, relationships that aren’t working, environments that don’t suit you. Leaving these situations is definitely not running away.
What matters is deciding for yourself when to pull back. Not fleeing when cornered, but calmly assessing the situation and strategically retreating.
People who can do this control their own lives. Temporary retreat is a running start for better progress.
What modern people need is the courage to make the best choice for themselves without worrying about society’s evaluation or others’ eyes. Sometimes stop, sometimes turn back, then walk forward again.
This flexible way of living is the wisdom for getting through a long life. On the board of your life, what move will you choose today?
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