How to Read “武士は食わねど高楊枝”
Bushi wa kuwanedo takayōji
Meaning of “武士は食わねど高楊枝”
This proverb expresses the importance of maintaining one’s pride and dignity even when poor and without food.
This expression originated from the image of a warrior, someone of high social status, not showing their economic hardship to others, but rather using a toothpick as if they had just finished a meal. This is not mere vanity, but signifies strong mental fortitude – being aware of one’s position and responsibilities, and never losing one’s dignity no matter how difficult the situation.
Even today, it is used in situations where one maintains a resolute attitude without complaining to others when facing difficult circumstances. It is particularly often used to express the attitude of people in leadership positions or those with responsible roles who fulfill their duties without showing their private struggles.
However, this does not recommend pushing oneself to the point of damaging one’s health. Rather, it is a proverb that expresses an aspect of leadership – taking action that considers the impact on others by maintaining inner strength and outward dignity.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is deeply connected to the actual living conditions of the warrior class during the Edo period. While warriors of that time held high social status, their actual economic situation was far from wealthy. It was not uncommon for lower-ranking warriors and masterless samurai (ronin) to be so impoverished that they lacked even daily meals.
“High toothpick” refers to the toothpick used after meals to remove food stuck between teeth. In other words, it means making the gesture of using a toothpick as if one were full, even though one has actually eaten nothing. This was behavior to maintain face and pride as a warrior.
The background to this expression lies in the spirit of bushido (the way of the warrior). Since warriors were positioned at the top of the “shi-nō-kō-shō” (warrior-farmer-artisan-merchant) class system, there was social pressure to maintain their dignity even when economically struggling. Being perceived as hungry by others was considered to damage one’s dignity as a warrior.
This type of expression can be found in Edo period literature, and it became established as words representing the noble poverty and pride of warriors. It can be said to be a proverb that symbolizes the era, contrasting the harshness of actual life with the spiritual nobility that was never lost.
Interesting Facts
Toothpicks had been used in Japan since the Heian period, but during the Edo period, “fusa-yōji” (房楊枝) – toothbrush-like tools with finely split tips resembling a tuft – were common. The gesture of using these to clean one’s teeth was considered important grooming at the time.
The economic situation of warriors was more severe than one might imagine, and by the late Edo period, “warriors’ side jobs” had become a social problem. The number of warriors secretly engaging in handicrafts such as umbrella-making and sandal-making while hiding their status was increasing, yet they were still required to maintain their dignity in public.
Usage Examples
- Even though the company’s performance has deteriorated, the department manager always maintains a dignified presence in front of employees – truly “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick”
- Even after being laid off, he doesn’t complain to friends during his job search, maintaining “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has changed significantly. With the spread of social media, many people tend to beautify and broadcast their lives, making “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick”-like behavior commonplace. There are many people who post luxurious meals on Instagram while actually living frugally.
However, in modern times, the boundary between “putting on airs” and “maintaining dignity” has become ambiguous. There is a tendency to focus more on maintaining superficial appearances rather than the spiritual strength that the original proverb indicated. This can be said to be the influence of a consumer society where individual worth is easily judged by appearance and possessions.
On the other hand, modern leadership theory also teaches the importance of showing vulnerability. To build trust with subordinates and colleagues, showing human aspects is considered more effective than maintaining a perfect superior image.
Nevertheless, the core spirit of this proverb – “maintaining dignity even in difficult situations” – still has value today. Especially for those in positions of public responsibility, the ability to appropriately control private emotions and difficulties while providing reassurance to others is an important quality. The modern version of “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick” might be restraining complaints on social media and maintaining a constructive attitude.
When AI Hears This
The takayōji, a small tool, was a perfect example of what modern psychology calls “signaling theory.” This theory explains “behaviors that appeal one’s value to others,” and the samurai’s takayōji can be considered the archetype of this concept.
What’s fascinating is the “poor cost-effectiveness” of the takayōji. Using a toothpick when you haven’t eaten is a classic example of what economics calls “wasteful consumption.” However, this waste is precisely what matters. Even today, when someone earning 200,000 yen per month buys a 500,000 yen designer bag, it’s the same psychological mechanism at work.
According to the “conspicuous consumption” theory proposed by psychologist Veblen, people deliberately engage in inefficient consumption “to show they have resources to spare.” The samurai’s takayōji embodied this theory 300 years ahead of its time.
Even more remarkable is that the takayōji was a “fakeable status symbol.” While it’s difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake wealthy people, anyone could imitate using a toothpick. This is essentially the same as posting photos of expensive restaurants on social media today.
In other words, samurai achieved with just a single toothpick what modern people do when they “enhance” their image on Instagram. Human desire for recognition may change its methods of expression as times change, but its essence remains surprisingly unchanged.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is what true strength really means. It’s not about hiding difficulties, but about the mental fortitude to not lose oneself even in difficult situations.
In modern society, complaining is often seen as something bad, but what’s important is the judgment of “when, to whom, and how” to communicate one’s situation. Being honest with family and close friends while maintaining composure at work and in public settings. This sense of balance can be called the modern version of “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick.”
This proverb also teaches us consideration for others. Rather than taking out one’s suffering on those around them, one should behave in a way that makes others feel secure. This doesn’t mean pushing oneself unreasonably, but rather the responsibility of an adult to control their emotions.
You too must be practicing small acts of “Warrior does not eat but high toothpick” in your daily life. Showing a smile to your family even when tired, or maintaining dignity in front of subordinates even when you have worries. Such small accumulations of dignity create your charm as a person.
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