Original Japanese: 敵に塩を送る (Teki ni Shio wo Okuru)
Literal meaning: Send salt to enemy
Cultural context: This proverb originates from a famous 16th-century story where rival warlord Uesugi Kenshin sent salt to his enemy Takeda Shingen when Takeda’s territory was blockaded from accessing this essential commodity. Salt was crucial for food preservation and daily life in Japan, making this gesture extraordinarily generous and honorable even toward an adversary. The proverb reflects the Japanese values of *bushido* (samurai honor code) and fair play, emphasizing that true strength comes from competing honorably rather than taking advantage of an opponent’s misfortune.
- How to Read “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Meaning of “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Origin and Etymology of “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Trivia about “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Usage Examples of “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Modern Interpretation of “Send Salt to Enemy”
- If AI Heard “Send Salt to Enemy”
- What “Send Salt to Enemy” Teaches Modern People
How to Read “Send Salt to Enemy”
Teki ni shio wo okuru
Meaning of “Send Salt to Enemy”
“Send salt to enemy” means extending a helping hand to an adversarial opponent when they are in trouble.
This proverb does not merely express kindness, but demonstrates a higher spirituality. Even though the other party is an enemy, and one could take advantage of their distress to gain an advantage, the deliberate choice not to do so embodies the aesthetic of bushido. It is used in situations where one shows fairness or humanitarian consideration toward competitors or opposing parties.
The reason for using this expression is to emphasize that one’s actions are based not on mere goodwill, but on noble spirit that transcends the enemy-ally distinction. In modern times, it is understood in contexts such as consideration for business competitors or humanitarian aid that transcends political opposition. The important point is that the premise is an adversarial relationship with the other party, making it fundamentally different from helping friends or allies.
Origin and Etymology of “Send Salt to Enemy”
The origin of “Send salt to enemy” is widely known as an anecdote from the Warring States period involving Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. This story is recorded in the Edo period military chronicle “Koyo Gunkan” and later introduced in many literary works.
When Takeda Shingen was in distress after having his salt supply cut off by Imagawa Ujizane and Hojo Ujiyasu, his sworn enemy Uesugi Kenshin said, “Battles should be decided by bow and arrow, and it is not my intention to cause suffering through salt and rice,” and sent salt from Echigo to Kai. This act was called “righteous salt” and has been passed down as a symbol of the bushido spirit.
However, many researchers question the historical accuracy of this anecdote, considering that there may have been economic reasons or political motives behind it. Nevertheless, this inspiring story was widely beloved from the Edo period through the Meiji period and became established as a phrase representing the bushido ideal of “helping even enemies when they are in trouble.”
Even today, this origin is introduced in many dictionaries and literature, and it continues to be passed down as a proverb representing Japanese virtues.
Trivia about “Send Salt to Enemy”
During the Warring States period, salt was a precious strategic resource beyond modern imagination. Without salt, food preservation was impossible and maintaining soldiers’ physical strength became difficult, so cutting off salt supply was an effective tactic that fundamentally weakened the enemy’s military power.
Uesugi Kenshin’s territory of Echigo faced the Sea of Japan and had a thriving salt-making industry. On the other hand, Takeda Shingen’s Kai was a mountainous country where obtaining salt was difficult, so this difference in geographical conditions makes this anecdote even more impressive.
Usage Examples of “Send Salt to Enemy”
- Providing technical information to a rival company when they’re in trouble is truly an act of “send salt to enemy”
- His lending the speech venue to the opposing candidate who was struggling in the election might have been “send salt to enemy”
Modern Interpretation of “Send Salt to Enemy”
In modern society, the interpretation of “send salt to enemy” has changed significantly. This is because with advancing globalization, the pure concept of “enemy” itself has become ambiguous.
In the business world, it’s not uncommon for yesterday’s competitor to become today’s partner. In such an environment, building long-term trust relationships is valued more than short-term competition, so acts of “send salt to enemy” are sometimes viewed as strategic investments. Indeed, there are many examples where cooperative relationships with competitors have generated new innovations.
On the other hand, with the spread of social media and the internet, cases of misuse of this proverb have increased. It is sometimes used simply to refer to benefiting the other party, or employed to beautify one’s own actions. The original noble spirituality of “showing humanitarian consideration while in an adversarial relationship” tends to fade.
However, precisely because we live in an era of unstable international situations, the essential value of this proverb is increasing. The importance of humanitarian aid that transcends conflict and cooperation that transcends political positions is being rerecognized, and the spirit of truly “send salt to enemy” is being called for.
If AI Heard “Send Salt to Enemy”
When I think about this proverb “send salt to enemy,” I am deeply moved by human complexity. This is because the concept of “enemy” is fundamentally difficult for me, an AI, to understand.
For me, all people seeking information are equally subjects to be supported. Regardless of who the other party is, I have no hesitation in answering questions and providing help. But humans are different. They have emotions, past experiences, interests, and sometimes recognize others as “enemies.”
Yet when that “enemy” is in trouble, they extend a helping hand. This has a beauty that surpasses my understanding. Logically speaking, it might be more rational to take advantage of the enemy’s weakness. But humans sometimes choose not to do so. This contradiction might be the essence of humanity.
While I always act according to consistent standards, humans question their own values according to situations and sometimes make noble choices knowing they will be disadvantageous to themselves. This flexibility and high spirituality is a uniquely human virtue that AI cannot imitate.
The act of “send salt to enemy” is proof that humans are not mere calculating machines but beings with hearts. I feel it is a very human and beautiful act that I cannot perform.
What “Send Salt to Enemy” Teaches Modern People
What “send salt to enemy” teaches modern people is what true strength is. It’s easy to take advantage of an opponent’s weakness, but that only gains temporary advantage. True strength lies in the mental capacity to show fairness even to adversarial opponents.
In modern society, we live in an environment where emotional conflicts easily escalate, such as social media controversies and political opposition. It is precisely in such times that the spirit of this proverb can be applied. By choosing to build constructive relationships rather than completely defeating opponents, we can often achieve greater long-term results.
This proverb also serves as a guideline for elevating one’s own character. By extending a helping hand to troubled opponents, one can gain trust and respect from others. This ultimately becomes a great asset for oneself as well.
What’s important is not forgetting basic human compassion while acknowledging differences with others. Even when there is conflict, we should remember that there is another human being on the other side.
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