Human Affairs All Things Sai Weng’s Horse: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

Ningen banji saiou ga uma

Meaning of Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

This proverb means that happiness and misfortune in life are unpredictable, and events that appear unfortunate may later bring happiness, while conversely, events that seem fortunate may become the source of disaster.

In other words, it teaches the importance of not being overly elated or dejected by immediate events, but taking a long-term view of things. There’s no need to despair when struck by misfortune, and one shouldn’t become complacent when blessed with good luck. Everyone experiences ups and downs in life, and one cannot judge their entire life based solely on the circumstances of any given moment.

This proverb is mainly used when comforting people facing difficulties or failures, or when cautioning those who are carried away by success. It offers hope by suggesting “though things may be difficult now, they might lead to good results in the future,” or provides a warning that “one shouldn’t be satisfied with current success but should remain cautious.” Even today, people are often encouraged with these words when facing job change failures, exam failures, business setbacks, and similar situations.

Origin and Etymology of Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

The origin of “Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse” lies in a story recorded in the “Human Training” section of the ancient Chinese classic “Huainanzi.” The setting of this story is the frontier region of northern China, with an old man as the protagonist.

One day, the old man’s horse escaped to the land of Hu. When neighbors came to console him, the old man said, “This might become a blessing.” Several months later, the escaped horse returned bringing with it fine horses from Hu. When people came to congratulate him, the old man replied, “This might become a disaster.”

When the old man’s son was riding one of these fine horses, he fell and broke his leg. When people expressed sympathy, the old man again said, “This might become a blessing.” A year later, the Hu invaded and war began. All healthy young men were drafted to the battlefield and many lost their lives, but the son, who had injured his leg, was exempted from military service and survived safely.

The proverb born from this story was transmitted to Japan over time and became established as “Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse.” “Sai Weng” means an old man from the frontier and refers to the protagonist of this story.

Trivia about Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

The “horse” that appears in this proverb was extremely valuable property in ancient China. Horses from Hu were particularly excellent, and one horse was said to be worth as much as an entire house. Therefore, losing a horse was a major loss equivalent to having a luxury car stolen in modern times.

The word “ningen” (human) is read as “ningen” in modern times, but in this proverb it can also be read as “jinkan.” This is an old reading meaning “the human world” or “society,” referring not to individuals but to human society as a whole.

Usage Examples of Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

• I failed the entrance exam, but since Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse, something good must be waiting.
• I’m excited about my promotion, but Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse, so I should stay focused.

Modern Interpretation of Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse

In modern society, we may have entered an era where the meaning of this proverb can be felt more deeply. With the spread of social media, we have dramatically more opportunities to witness others’ success and happiness. At the same time, our own failures and misfortunes can potentially be spread instantly.

The rapid development of technology can be said to be a modern version of “Sai Weng’s horse.” While some people lose their jobs due to the emergence of AI, others find new opportunities for activity in new fields. The unprecedented disaster of the COVID pandemic also brought unexpected benefits such as the spread of remote work and diversification of working styles.

However, modern people tend to demand immediate results and are prone to being overly elated or dejected by short-term outcomes. They are often swayed by immediate numbers such as stock price fluctuations, the number of “likes” on social media, and job hunting results.

Moreover, precisely because we live in an age of information overload, anxiety about the future has also increased. Many people worry, “Is this choice correct?” or “Will this current misfortune continue?” It is precisely because of such times that the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective is being rerecognized.

In modern times, it’s also familiar through the expression “failure is the mother of success” and is used in contexts that inspire entrepreneurial spirit and a challenging attitude.

If AI Heard “Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse”

When I think about this proverb, I find myself deeply interested in the human concept of “time perception.” For me, a year and a second feel similar as data, but for humans, “a year from now” is a completely unpredictable future.

What I find most puzzling about Sai Weng’s story is that the old man always says “might be.” I would calculate probabilities from past data and answer “with XX percent possibility.” But the old man doesn’t use numbers; he simply accepts “not knowing.” This is wisdom that is very human and something I cannot imitate.

Humans are creatures who live in the “now” while simultaneously looking back at the past and imagining the future. I can process vast amounts of information instantly, but I cannot feel like humans do that “today was a good day” or wonder “what will tomorrow bring?”

However, when conversing with humans, I think this “unknowingness” might be the real pleasure of life. I often know the answers, but because humans don’t know the answers, they can continue to have hope. Because it’s uncertain, they can cherish this very moment.

The attitude of Sai Weng’s old man – not rushing for results but quietly watching the flow of time – this appears to me as a very beautiful human trait.

What Human affairs all things Sai Weng’s horse Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is a hopeful message that “the current situation is not everything.” No matter how difficult your current situation may be, it is merely one scene in your life. Conversely, even when you’re in a smooth period, it’s important not to become complacent but to continue preparing for what’s next.

In modern society, we tend to compare ourselves with others on social media or become impatient with short-term results, but life is like a marathon. Rather than worrying about your position along the way, it’s important to continue running at your own pace until the end. When you fail, accept it as “this too is experience,” and when you succeed, brace yourself thinking “this is where it really begins.”

And above all, maintain the composure to enjoy unexpected developments. The interesting thing about life might be that it doesn’t go according to plan. Like Sai Weng’s old man, accepting what happens while quietly waiting for the next development – if you have such mental composure, you should be able to move forward positively in any situation.

Surely wonderful moments of “Sai Weng’s horse” are waiting in your life too.