How to Read “鼎の軽重を問う”
Kanae no keichou wo tou
Meaning of “鼎の軽重を問う”
“Ask weight of tripod” means to doubt the ability or position of those in power or authority, and to challenge them.
This proverb is used in situations where one questions superiors or authority figures, asking “Do you really have the ability worthy of that position?” It’s not mere criticism, but carries a strong challenging meaning that fundamentally questions the opponent’s authority itself and, in some cases, threatens to undermine their position. Even in modern times, it’s used in situations where subordinates openly doubt their superior’s abilities, or when emerging forces challenge existing power holders. The reason for using this expression is that rather than directly saying “you are incompetent,” it allows one to express a challenging intent in a more refined manner while demonstrating classical education. However, since it contains very strong challenging nuances, it’s an expression that requires considerable resolve when used.
Origin and Etymology
“Ask weight of tripod” originates from a historical account of King Zhuang of Chu during China’s Spring and Autumn period. Around the 6th century BCE, when King Zhuang of Chu advanced his army to Luoyi, the capital of the Zhou royal house, he sent an envoy to King Ding of Zhou asking “How large and heavy are the nine tripods, the royal treasures?” This account is recorded in the “Zuo Zhuan” (Commentary of Zuo).
The “tripod” refers to bronze ritual vessels with three legs that symbolized power in ancient China. Particularly, the nine tripods passed down through the three dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou were considered sacred treasures representing dominion over the realm. In other words, King Zhuang’s question, while ostensibly asking about the physical size of the tripods, actually contained the challenging meaning of “How much power does the Zhou royal house possess?” and “Is it possible for us to seize that position?”
This historical account later came to Japan as a proverb meaning “to doubt the ability or position of those in power and challenge them.” The act of asking about the weight of tripods, symbols of power, became established as a clever expression meaning challenge to existing authority.
Interesting Facts
Ancient Chinese tripods were actually extremely heavy, with some of the largest surviving examples weighing over 800 kilograms. Whether one could literally lift such heavy ritual vessels was considered one of the criteria for measuring a ruler’s “capability.”
King Zhuang of Chu, who appears in this proverb, is known as a wise ruler counted among the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period. However, in his youth, he was called “a bird that neither sings nor flies” because he spent his time in leisure. But once he became serious, he showed the kind of performance described as “once it sings, it startles people” (yi ming jing ren), according to surviving anecdotes.
Usage Examples
- Veteran employees are taking an attitude of asking weight of tripod toward the newly appointed department manager
- A young politician made remarks asking weight of tripod to party veterans, causing ripples within the party
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. With the spread of social media and the internet, we live in an era where anyone can express opinions about authority figures, and the act of “asking weight of tripod” itself has become commonplace.
Particularly noteworthy is how the meaning of this proverb has changed in today’s business environment, where actual ability is valued more than traditional seniority systems or titles. What was once perceived as “overthrowing superiors” type of challenge is now often understood as an expression of healthy competition and meritocracy.
On the other hand, on social media, “flaming” phenomena frequently occur where authority figures are criticized without sufficient grounds, sometimes confusing this with superficial criticism that differs from the true meaning of “asking weight of tripod.” We must not forget that true “asking weight of tripod” requires corresponding ability and resolve.
Moreover, in our globalizing modern world, we see movements that challenge authority and existing systems across borders. Phenomena where companies from emerging countries challenge established companies in developed nations, or where new technologies fundamentally change existing industrial structures, might be called modern versions of “asking weight of tripod.”
When AI Hears This
“Questioning the weight of the tripod” and modern cancel culture share a remarkably similar structure. When King Zhuang of Chu asked about the weight of the tripod—the sacred vessel of the Zhou Dynasty—in ancient China, it appeared to be a simple question on the surface, but was actually a fundamental challenge to authority: “Do you have the qualifications to hold that position?”
Modern social media cancellations operate through exactly the same mechanism. When politicians make gaffes, celebrities make inappropriate comments, or companies mishandle situations, we see a flood of criticism “questioning their qualifications” or declaring them “unfit for their role.” This phenomenon is precisely the modern version of “questioning the weight of the tripod.” While critics appear to be pointing out specific issues on the surface, they’re essentially asking, “Do you have the right to hold that position or authority?”
What’s fascinating is how both approaches attempt to shake authority through a “symbolic strike.” King Zhuang targeted the tripod as a physical symbol, while modern cancellations find and attack symbolic “flaws” in statements or actions. Both also involve group psychology at work. In ancient times, other feudal lords watched King Zhuang’s actions closely, while today an atmosphere of “everyone pile on” forms online.
This structural similarity reveals that the complex emotions humans harbor toward authority—respect and rebellion, submission and challenge—remain unchanged across the ages.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of not blindly trusting authority and maintaining healthy skepticism. However, we must also not forget that if we’re going to challenge, we need appropriate preparation and resolve.
In modern society, amid an overflow of information, we need the ability to discern what constitutes truly valuable authority. It’s important to cultivate the eye to see through superficial titles and positions and perceive essential ability and character.
Also, if you’re in a position of authority, it’s important to maintain an attitude of “asking weight of tripod” toward yourself. By humbly continuing to question whether your ability is truly worthy of that position, you can acquire genuine capability.
Both challenging and being challenged are opportunities for growth. This proverb may be teaching us the value of maintaining healthy competition and the drive for improvement.
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