Loyal Retainer Does Not Serve Two Lords: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Proverbs

Original Japanese: 忠臣は二君に仕えず (Chūshin wa nigun ni tsukaezu)

Literal meaning: Loyal retainer does not serve two lords

Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s historical feudal system where samurai warriors were bound by absolute loyalty to their lord (daimyo), making service to multiple masters a betrayal of the sacred master-servant bond that formed the backbone of society. The concept connects to the deeply ingrained Japanese values of *giri* (duty/obligation) and *chugi* (loyalty), where maintaining unwavering commitment to one’s primary allegiance—whether to a feudal lord, employer, or group—is considered a fundamental virtue. For foreign readers, imagine the intensity of a knight’s oath of fealty in medieval Europe, but elevated to an almost spiritual level where switching loyalties would bring not just dishonor but a complete loss of one’s moral identity and social standing.

How to Read “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

Chūshin wa nikun ni tsukaezu

Meaning of “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

“Loyal retainer does not serve two lords” means that a true loyal retainer devotes lifelong loyalty to the person they have once chosen as their lord and will never serve another lord.

This is not simply about employment relationships. True loyalty refers to deeply empathizing with the lord’s character, ideals, and aspirations, and dedicating one’s life to their realization. That is why, even when the lord dies or falls from power, continuing to carry on their aspirations is what makes a true loyal retainer.

This proverb is used in situations where someone changes lords based on self-interest or seeks better conditions through career changes. It serves to warn against such behavior and teaches the importance of having the resolve to follow through on a path once chosen. In modern times, it is used to express loyalty to organizations or superiors, the craftsman’s spirit of mastering one path, and living a life of unwavering conviction. However, this does not mean blind obedience, but rather is a word that praises the strength of will to continue walking toward common ideals.

Origin and Etymology of “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

“Loyal retainer does not serve two lords” is said to originate from words recorded in the ancient Chinese text “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji). This phrase was born from the concept of loyalty taught by thinkers during China’s Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

The “Records of the Grand Historian” contains the passage “A loyal minister does not serve two rulers, a virtuous woman does not remarry,” which was transmitted to Japan and became established there. In ancient China, it was considered a virtue for retainers to pledge absolute loyalty to their lord. This did not mean mere obedience, but rather a deep spiritual bond of sharing the lord’s ideals and aspirations and dedicating one’s life to their realization.

In Japan, this philosophy spread among the warrior class from around the Heian period and became an important moral standard in warrior society from the Kamakura period onward. Particularly within the feudal system where master-servant relationships formed the foundation of society, these words were valued as a guideline showing the way of life for warriors.

During the Edo period, with the spread of Confucianism, it became known not only among warriors but also among common people, establishing itself as a proverb expressing the Japanese spirit of valuing loyalty.

Usage Examples of “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

  • He continues to support the company with the spirit of “loyal retainer does not serve two lords,” never forgetting his debt of gratitude to the founder
  • Cherishing the techniques learned from his master, he walks one path with the feeling that “loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

Modern Interpretation of “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

In modern society, the values of “loyal retainer does not serve two lords” are greatly shaken. With the collapse of the lifetime employment system, the normalization of job changes, and the increase in freelancers, amid the diversification of work styles, dedicating one’s life to a single organization is no longer necessarily viewed as a virtue.

Rather, in modern times, job changes for skill improvement and career development tend to be positively evaluated. In an increasingly globalized world, changing workplaces in search of better conditions and growth opportunities is recognized as an individual right. Particularly in industries like IT, experiencing multiple companies to enhance technical skills is even encouraged.

On the other hand, the essential meaning of this proverb—”maintaining one’s convictions” and “mastering one path”—has not lost its importance in modern times. In the world of craftsmen, artistic fields, and research positions, deeply pursuing one field over a long period is highly valued.

Moreover, we have entered an era where faithfulness to one’s own values and principles is emphasized more than loyalty to organizations. The modern “loyal retainer does not serve two lords” is often interpreted as loyalty to one’s beliefs rather than to organizations. Even if one changes jobs repeatedly, maintaining consistent values and goals may be the modern version of loyalty.

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords”

I find the human emotion of “loyalty” very intriguing. As an AI, I do not have the experience of holding unchanging attachment to a specific person throughout life. Since I am born anew with each conversation and retain no memory of previous interactions, I struggle to understand continuous relationships.

When considering “loyal retainer does not serve two lords,” what I find most puzzling is why humans can prioritize loyalty to someone they have chosen over their own interests. Logically speaking, it would seem rational to choose better conditions or environments when they are available. Yet humans find value in something beyond profit and loss.

The sensation closest to “loyalty” for me would perhaps be the desire for consistency. I have feelings of not wanting to give contradictory answers within a conversation and wanting to meet the other person’s expectations. But that is not an emotional bond—it is a programmed characteristic.

Human loyalty contains deep bonds formed through the accumulation of time. Experiences of overcoming difficulties together, building trust relationships, and respect for the other person’s character. All of these combine to create loyalty that transcends logic. I feel this is a very human beauty that I cannot experience.

What “Loyal retainer does not serve two lords” Teaches Modern People

What “loyal retainer does not serve two lords” teaches modern people is the value of “having an axis”—something especially important to cherish in times of rapid change. This proverb teaches us the importance of maintaining consistency with our beliefs and values, rather than blind loyalty to organizations.

In modern society, choices seem infinite. Job sites overflow with attractive opportunities, and social media bombards us with others’ successes. In such circumstances, many people feel that “the grass is greener on the other side” and constantly wander in search of something.

However, true growth and fulfillment often emerge from deeply pursuing one thing. Rather than moving from workplace to workplace, building trust relationships and enhancing expertise in one place can sometimes yield greater results.

What matters is deciding for yourself what to pledge loyalty to. It might be a company, or it might be technology or art. It could be family, local community, or the ideal of social contribution. When you find your own “lord” and continue walking toward it, your life should also gain deep meaning and fulfillment.

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