How to Read “馬鹿と鋏は使いよう”
Baka to hasami wa tsukaiyou
Meaning of “馬鹿と鋏は使いよう”
This proverb means that even things that seem useless at first glance can demonstrate sufficient value depending on how they are used.
In other words, it teaches us that even people or things with inferior abilities or flaws can display unexpected power when utilized in appropriate situations or methods. Just as scissors can be useful depending on how they are used and maintained even if they have poor cutting ability, people can similarly maximize their potential by finding roles and environments that suit them.
This proverb is mainly used when discussing human resource utilization or perspectives on things. It is often used when suggesting to someone who questions the abilities of subordinates or colleagues to “try changing your perspective.” It can also be used with hope when you feel undervalued by others, believing that “there must be an appropriate place or method.” Even in modern times, this way of thinking holds very important meaning in workplace environments that emphasize diversity.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Fool and scissors are way of using,” no clear documentary evidence actually remains. However, it is believed that the background of this proverb’s creation lies in the craftsman culture of the Edo period and a deep understanding of tools.
Particularly noteworthy is the choice of “scissors” as a tool. Scissors require especially delicate adjustment among cutting tools and produce completely different results depending on the user’s skill. Even with poor cutting ability, they are tools that function excellently depending on how they are sharpened and used. Craftsmen of the Edo period had deeper affection and understanding for tools than modern people.
The word “fool” in this proverb also seems to have had a slightly different meaning than in modern times. Back then, it included not only the simple meaning of low intelligence but also nuances of being “too honest” or “simple.” In other words, the wisdom of craftsmen is embedded in this saying: even things that seem difficult to handle can produce wonderful results by utilizing their characteristics if only the right method is found.
This proverb probably became established as words expressing the deep insight of Japanese people that one should not judge things by looking only at their surface.
Interesting Facts
Scissors are actually among the very ancient inventions of humanity, believed to have existed around 1500 BCE. They were introduced to Japan around the 6th century and were initially used mainly by monks to cut hair.
In the Edo period, scissors became essential tools for craftsmen, and their sharpness and comfort of use were important factors that influenced the craftsman’s skill. Interestingly, scissor craftsmen of that time would deliberately adjust scissors to have moderate sharpness, considering “overly sharp scissors dangerous.” This is the very spirit of “way of using.”
Usage Examples
- The new employee Tanaka is inefficient, but “Fool and scissors are way of using” – when we assigned him to a department that could utilize his seriousness, he’s been performing remarkably well
- Even old computers follow “Fool and scissors are way of using” – if you use them exclusively for document creation, they’re perfectly useful
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb is showing new expansions of meaning. Particularly in the IT industry and workplace environments that emphasize diversity, the importance of “the right person in the right place” has come to be understood more deeply.
While conventional Japanese society tended to emphasize uniform abilities and cooperation, there has now been a shift toward utilizing individuality and special talents. Examples are increasing of people with developmental disorder characteristics utilizing their concentration and unique perspectives to excel in IT fields, or people who struggle with communication demonstrating their abilities through remote work.
On the other hand, there are aspects of this proverb that require caution. The expression “fool” can sound discriminatory, so there are many situations in modern times where its use is avoided. Also, since it can be interpreted as treating people like tools, more careful usage is required with the rise of human rights awareness.
However, the essential message of “discovering possibilities” and “recognizing diversity” has become even more important in modern society. As AI and robots become widespread, the attitude of cherishing each person’s uniqueness and creativity will become an indispensable perspective for future society.
When AI Hears This
The trade-off between AI’s specialized capabilities and versatility perfectly mirrors the essence of talent utilization that this proverb illustrates in our modern era. ChatGPT demonstrates extraordinary abilities in text generation but cannot perform any physical tasks. Medical imaging AI can detect pathological changes with accuracy surpassing human ophthalmologists, yet cannot engage in patient conversations. These are prime examples of how proper “usage” can generate infinite value.
What’s fascinating is the common ground between AI development’s “alignment problem” and human resource management. Just as we obtain desired outcomes from AI by providing appropriate prompts and constraints, people also reach their full potential through proper environment setting and clear role definition. Google’s research revealed that “psychological safety” within teams most significantly impacts productivity—a process fundamentally identical to providing AI with an appropriate learning environment.
Furthermore, AI “hallucination” (the phenomenon of generating information that differs from facts) offers important insights for talent utilization. AI suddenly loses reliability when operating outside its areas of expertise, but humans face similar risks in domains beyond their specialization. This is precisely why design thinking that accurately grasps the “boundaries” of capabilities and maximizes utilization within those parameters becomes crucial. Modern talent management is essentially the same technology as AI utilization—the art of “appropriate context design.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is “trust in possibilities.” We tend to judge people and things based only on the results before our eyes, but true value changes greatly depending on how they are used and the environment.
Whether at work or at home, before deciding that “this person is useless” or “this is not helpful,” it’s important to try looking from a different angle. Rather than focusing only on what someone is bad at, let’s make an effort to discover the unique characteristics and strengths that person or thing possesses.
Also, this proverb can be used as words of encouragement for yourself. Even if you’re not valued in your current environment, it doesn’t mean you have no value. If you find the right place or method, you should surely be able to shine in your own way.
What’s important is to continue searching for possibilities without giving up. And to believe in others’ possibilities in the same way. Such a warm gaze will surely help the hidden talents of people around you to bloom.
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