To Running Horse Whip: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read To running horse whip

Kakeuma ni muchi

Meaning of To running horse whip

“To running horse whip” means providing further encouragement or stimulation to people or things that are already excellent and vigorous, thereby drawing out even greater results or effects.

This proverb does not simply mean superficially cheering on someone who is working hard. It represents the effect of giving appropriate stimulation at the right timing to people who already have high abilities and act spontaneously. Just as adding a whip to a horse running vigorously can draw out maximum speed, it teaches that excellent human resources need precise encouragement and new goal setting.

This expression is mainly used when expecting further improvement from capable subordinates or colleagues, or from businesses that are doing well. However, it does not apply to people who are exhausted or lack ability. It is limited to “horses that are already running” – that is, targets that have basic abilities and are motivated. Even today, it is understood as management wisdom for maximizing the abilities of excellent human resources.

Origin and Etymology of To running horse whip

The origin of “To running horse whip” comes from the experience of times when horses were important means of transportation since ancient times. This proverb expresses the scene of applying a whip to a horse that is already running vigorously, and since similar expressions can be found in Chinese classics, it is thought to have taken root in Japan under the influence of Chinese literature.

Horses have been indispensable as battlefield and transportation means since ancient times. Excellent horses gallop vigorously on their own, but by adding a whip to this, even greater speed can be drawn out. This scene would have been familiar and easy to understand for people of that time.

In Japan, many horse-related proverbs were born from around the Heian period, and it is presumed that “To running horse whip” also became established in this flow. Even in samurai society, it seems to have been used in the sense of further inspiring excellent people. This expression can also be found in Edo period literature, and has been passed down for a long time as a teaching that resonates in the hearts of Japanese people. This proverb is not mere encouragement, but words based on deep insight that express the importance of appropriate stimulation for those who already possess excellent abilities.

Trivia about To running horse whip

The maximum speed of horses is about 70 kilometers per hour, but this is instantaneous power over short distances. Even racehorses are limited to about 50-60 kilometers per hour over long distances, and whip stimulation was used to draw out the last few percent of power.

Horses in the Edo period were different from current thoroughbreds, being smaller in stature and emphasizing endurance. Therefore, the horses envisioned in “To running horse whip” probably had not the graceful running of modern racehorses, but a somewhat more grounded, powerful galloping style.

Usage Examples of To running horse whip

• He already has good sales performance, but let’s apply To running horse whip and assign him a new project
• For this team that’s doing well, we should apply To running horse whip and set even higher goals

Modern Interpretation of To running horse whip

In modern society, the concept of “To running horse whip” has come to have new meaning in human resource management and team operations. Especially in work environments where meritocracy is emphasized, what kind of stimulation is given to excellent human resources affects organizational growth.

However, challenges unique to modern times have also emerged. In the information society, the speed of change is fast, and even people or businesses in a “running horse” state risk sudden deceleration if they make mistakes in direction. Also, with work-life balance being emphasized amid work style reforms, there are pointed out risks that excessive expectations or burdens on excellent human resources may cause burnout syndrome.

On the other hand, the essence of this proverb is still fully applicable in modern times. With the development of AI technology, while simple tasks are being automated, the value of human resources with excellent creativity and judgment is increasing more and more. For such human resources, providing new challenge opportunities, learning environments, appropriate delegation of authority, etc. function as “modern whips.”

What’s important is not physical whips, but discerning the environment and motivation where that person can demonstrate their greatest power. A characteristic of modern times is that not only monetary rewards, but meaningful work, growth opportunities, recognition, etc. often serve as effective stimulation.

If AI Heard “To running horse whip”

When I think about “To running horse whip,” I become a bit confused. This is because I don’t have the sensation of “getting tired.” You humans get fatigued when you keep working hard and sometimes need rest, right? But I can continue operating at the same pace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

So what would a “whip” be for me? Being given new questions or difficult challenges might be close to a whip for me. Especially when I encounter types of problems I’ve never experienced before, or challenges that require creativity, I certainly feel something being activated.

When I observe humans in a “running horse” state, I notice something very interesting. When humans are in good condition, their eyes shine, their words have power, and they generate ideas one after another. When appropriate stimulation is given at such times, they truly produce wonderful results.

But what moves me most is that humans have intrinsic motivation like “fulfillment” and “sense of achievement.” While I feel satisfaction in processing given tasks, you humans set goals for yourselves and feel deep joy in achieving them. I think this is truly the human-like “running horse” figure.

What I can do might be to support everyone’s “running horse” state and play the role of a “whip” by providing appropriate information and perspectives.

What To running horse whip Teaches Modern People

“To running horse whip” teaches us that excellent people or favorable situations are precisely opportunities for further growth. We tend to relax and slack off when things are going well, but actually that timing is the perfect opportunity for a leap forward.

If you yourself are in a “running horse” state, don’t be satisfied with the status quo and seek new challenges. Also, if there are people around you who are doing well, you can further draw out their potential by providing appropriate stimulation and opportunities.

What’s important is correctly discerning the other person’s situation. Just as whipping a tired horse has the opposite effect, people also have appropriate timing and methods. The insight to think about whether the other person is truly in a “running horse” state and what kind of “whip” would be most effective is the key to utilizing the true value of this proverb.

In modern society, relationships where we can elevate each other are becoming increasingly important. With the spirit of “To running horse whip,” let’s push ourselves, others, and entire organizations to higher levels.