How to Read “Lifting it is like a swan’s feather, taking it is like picking up something dropped”
Aguru koto wa kōmō no gotoku, toru koto wa shūi no gotoshi
Meaning of “Lifting it is like a swan’s feather, taking it is like picking up something dropped”
This proverb means that doing something is super easy. It takes almost no effort at all.
Think about lifting a light feather from a big bird. Or picking up something from the ground. Both actions are so easy that you don’t need any strength.
People use this saying when someone with great skills does a hard job easily. What seems difficult to others becomes simple for them.
Today, we use it to praise experts in any field. For example, a skilled person who solves tough problems quickly. Or a master who handles hard tasks without breaking a sweat.
The proverb uses two different actions to make a point. No matter how you approach the task, it’s still easy.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb comes from ancient Chinese texts. “Kōmō” means feathers from a large bird. People have used it for centuries to represent something very light.
“Shūi” means picking up dropped items. This also represents an action that needs no effort.
In old Chinese literature, writers often used these images. They wanted to show how easy something was. Lifting light things or picking up dropped items became common comparisons.
The word “kōmō” appears in famous Chinese history books. One writer compared things “heavier than Mount Tai and lighter than swan feathers.” This became a classic way to show contrast.
We don’t know exactly when this proverb came to Japan. But educated people who read Chinese texts probably started using it.
The proverb uses a clever technique. It lists two different actions: lifting and taking. This shows that either way, the task is super easy.
In Japan, people often used it to praise good leaders. It meant that wise rulers found even difficult government work easy.
Usage Examples
- For her, this level of programming is like “Lifting it is like a swan’s feather, taking it is like picking up something dropped.” She finished it in just a few minutes.
- In that craftsman’s hands, it’s truly “Lifting it is like a swan’s feather, taking it is like picking up something dropped.” Repairs that trouble everyone else are a piece of cake for him.
Universal Wisdom
This proverb shows a deep understanding of human abilities. The same task can be incredibly hard for one person but easy for another.
Our ancestors saw this truth clearly. They captured it in beautiful words.
What’s interesting is how people use this saying. It’s not meant to put anyone down. Instead, it shows respect and admiration for skilled people.
Humans naturally feel amazed when someone does what we can’t. This isn’t jealousy. It’s pure wonder and respect.
The proverb also hints at the value of practice. What seems hard now might become easy later. With enough training and experience, you can make difficult things feel light.
This makes it a hopeful saying too.
In human society, everyone has different strengths. We help each other by sharing our skills. What’s hard for you might be easy for someone else.
And what you find simple might be difficult for others. This give-and-take makes society work. The proverb captures this truth in a beautiful way.
When AI Hears This
Looking at this proverb through physics reveals something amazing. Entropy measures how messy or disordered something is.
The universe has an absolute rule: ordered things naturally become messy. This is called the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
For example, a clean room gets messy if you leave it alone. But a messy room never cleans itself. This is entropy increasing.
Here’s what’s interesting. This proverb actually describes the opposite direction. “Easy to lift and easy to take” means working against gravity is surprisingly simple.
Lifting things creates order, which goes against nature’s flow.
In physics, lifting one kilogram one meter high needs about 10 joules of energy. Human muscles are only 25 percent efficient. So you actually use 40 joules of energy.
But humans feel this is “light.” Why? Because living things have amazing energy conversion systems. They can fight against entropy increase.
So this proverb unconsciously describes something incredible. It shows the power of life to work against the universe’s laws.
Ancient people didn’t know physics. But they captured the essence of life in words.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you that today’s struggles won’t last forever. Think about programming, playing music, or sports.
Remember when these felt impossibly hard at first? With practice, they became natural.
The important thing is not to give up when you see others doing things easily. That person probably struggled just like you once.
Their “swan’s feather lightness” came from long practice and hard work.
At the same time, this proverb helps you see your own growth. If something that was hard before is easy now, you’ve definitely improved.
Recognizing this fact gives you hope for current challenges.
Also, don’t forget the joy of using your skills to help others. What’s easy for you might be a huge help to someone else.
When we share our strengths with each other, the whole society becomes richer. That’s the real message of this ancient wisdom.
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