How to Read “Where there are extraordinary people, there are extraordinary deeds”
Hijō no hito arite hijō no koto ari
Meaning of “Where there are extraordinary people, there are extraordinary deeds”
This proverb means that wherever exceptional people exist, remarkable achievements and events naturally follow. The word “extraordinary” here means “not ordinary” or “outstanding.”
It expresses that individuals with exceptional talent or character bring about great accomplishments and historic events worthy of their abilities.
People use this proverb to emphasize that behind every great achievement stands an exceptional person. It’s also used to express hope that wonderful results will come from talented individuals when they’re discovered.
The saying effectively teaches the importance of recognizing human talent and developing good judgment about people. Even today, the truth remains that the success of organizations and projects depends on the people involved.
The wisdom of this proverb hasn’t faded with time.
Origin and Etymology
The exact origin of this proverb has several theories, but it’s believed to be influenced by ancient Chinese thought. The word “extraordinary” means “not ordinary” and has long been used to describe exceptional people and special events.
Chinese historical records and philosophical texts repeatedly present the idea that great reforms and achievements happen when outstanding individuals appear. Descriptions linking heroic figures to their accomplishments appear frequently, especially during transitions from chaos to order.
This way of thinking came to Japan and took root as a uniquely Japanese expression.
Looking at the structure of the phrase, the first and second halves are arranged like a couplet. “Extraordinary people” and “extraordinary deeds” correspond to each other.
This parallel structure strongly reflects the influence of classical Chinese literature. The perspective that sees people and their achievements as inseparable reflects the Eastern philosophy of “valuing character above all.”
In Japan, this expression appears in educational texts from the Edo period. It was used in contexts explaining leadership and the importance of human talent.
Usage Examples
- Seeing how the company grew rapidly after that new president took over, it’s truly “where there are extraordinary people, there are extraordinary deeds”
- World-changing discoveries emerge under genius researchers like him—that’s “where there are extraordinary people, there are extraordinary deeds”
Universal Wisdom
The truth this proverb speaks is the decisive importance of “people” in human society. Looking back through history, exceptional individuals always stand behind great changes and achievements.
Technology, resources, and systems all depend on humans to move them, direct them, and give them meaning.
Why was this proverb created and passed down through generations? Because humanity has repeatedly witnessed this reality. People have experienced countless moments when ordinary situations changed dramatically with the appearance of one person.
From these experiences, they learned the importance of finding, nurturing, and creating environments where exceptional people can flourish.
This wisdom contains another deep insight. It recognizes that great achievements don’t happen by chance. Behind wonderful events always stands someone with the qualities to make them happen.
Conversely, it offers hope that when exceptional people exist, their talents will eventually take form. Trust in human potential and cultures that value talent rest on this universal truth.
When AI Hears This
Water molecules are liquid at normal temperatures, but there’s a tremendous difference between 99 and 100 degrees. Just one degree causes a “phase transition” from liquid to gas.
This phenomenon holds the key to explaining the relationship between “extraordinary people” and “extraordinary deeds.”
In emergence theory, when a system reaches a critical point, a new order suddenly appears that couldn’t be predicted from individual elements. The important point is that extraordinary people don’t create extraordinary deeds alone.
When society as a whole reaches a critical state—when conditions are ready for change—one person’s actions trigger a chain reaction that transforms everything at once.
For example, even when dissatisfaction accumulates in society, revolution doesn’t happen automatically. But near the critical point, the moment a charismatic figure appears, the chain reaction begins.
Conversely, no matter how exceptional a person is, nothing happens if the system isn’t near its critical state. If Oda Nobunaga had been born in the Heian period, he probably wouldn’t have left his mark on history.
Extraordinary people and extraordinary deeds are phenomena that emerge through interaction only when individual talent and environmental maturity simultaneously exceed their critical points. These two elements have a multiplication relationship—if either is zero, the result is also zero.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us the importance of developing good judgment about people. Among those around you, there may be “extraordinary people” with talents that haven’t yet bloomed.
Recognizing that potential, supporting it, and providing opportunities for it to shine leads to wonderful results.
At the same time, this proverb asks a question of yourself. Believe in your own possibility of becoming an “extraordinary person.” Even in days that seem ordinary now, opportunities to polish your talents and grow always exist.
What matters is never giving up on your potential and continuing to face the challenges before you with sincerity.
Modern society sometimes tends to undervalue individual power. But as history proves, one person’s passion and ability can still change the world today.
Value the exceptional people around you, and keep growing yourself. From there, something wonderful will surely emerge.
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