How to Read “Those who abandon what is near to scheme for what is far will labor without success”
Chikaki wo sutete tōki wo hakaru mono wa rōshite kō nashi
Meaning of “Those who abandon what is near to scheme for what is far will labor without success”
This proverb means that neglecting what is close at hand while making grand plans will bring no results.
People who ignore the tasks right in front of them and chase only magnificent goals or ideals end up achieving neither. Their efforts spin uselessly without producing anything concrete.
This saying warns against such wasted energy.
The proverb applies to several situations. It warns people who jump to advanced work without building foundations.
It cautions those who dismiss small daily efforts while hoping for one big breakthrough. It advises those who neglect nearby relationships while rushing to build distant connections.
In modern times, people use it in business contexts. It warns against ignoring basic duties while chasing only large projects.
It also cautions against neglecting family while pursuing only career ambitions.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb likely comes from the ancient Chinese text “Zuo Zhuan” (Commentary of Zuo).
The text records a similar phrase that reflects ancient Chinese political thought.
The word “sutete” (abandon) appears in modern Japanese as well. Originally it was an old word meaning “to give up” or “to let go.”
“Hakaru” (to scheme) means to make plans or plot something. It refers not just to thinking, but to concrete action planning.
The saying emerged from practical wisdom in ancient Chinese politics. Rulers often focused on distant territorial expansion or massive projects.
However, if they neglected the lives of nearby people or local governance, the nation would fall into chaos. Their grand plans would come to nothing.
This lesson was repeated throughout history.
The proverb came to Japan along with Chinese classical texts. It appeared in educational books during the Edo period.
In samurai education, which valued practical work, this saying taught the importance of building solid foundations. It warned against getting lost in idealistic theories.
Usage Examples
- He keeps planning new business ventures, but as the saying goes, those who abandon what is near to scheme for what is far will labor without success. He should first handle customer service carefully.
- Before dreaming of overseas expansion, remember that those who abandon what is near to scheme for what is far will labor without success. You need to build solid results locally first.
Universal Wisdom
Humans have a tendency to become captivated by distant, shining things. They overlook the plain things at their feet.
This happens because distant things appear beautiful. Since we have not yet obtained them, they seem to hold infinite possibilities.
Meanwhile, things already in our hands and the reality we face daily become hard to appreciate. Their value becomes invisible to us.
This proverb has been passed down through generations because this human psychological tendency never changes across time.
Ancient rulers and modern business people face the same temptation. They long for “something bigger” and “success farther away,” and they struggle not to neglect what is at their feet.
However, wise ancestors knew that true success always builds from the ground up.
Having distant goals is wonderful. But daily small practices support those goals.
For a tree to grow tall, it must first sink deep roots. For a building to tower toward the sky, it needs a solid foundation.
This proverb does not deny the human power to dream. Rather, it offers loving advice.
If you truly want to reach far, first cherish what is near.
When AI Hears This
From a complexity science perspective, this proverb exposes a fundamental weakness of “distant goals.”
Meteorologist Lorenz discovered the butterfly effect. A difference of just 0.000001 in initial conditions makes weather forecasts completely meaningless after a few weeks.
The farther into the future you look, the more unpredictable it becomes.
How today’s small actions will affect you in ten years cannot be calculated. There are too many variables.
Plans aimed at distant goals get swallowed by countless unpredictable changes along the way.
However, the phenomenon of emergence reveals an interesting paradox. Ants respond only to the movements of nearby companions.
Yet the entire colony naturally develops a sophisticated food-gathering system. Each ant considers no “distant goal.”
They simply repeat local interactions with neighboring ants. Despite this, an efficient organization that nobody designed emerges as a result.
Humans work the same way. By reliably handling immediate tasks, the accumulation creates unexpectedly large results through emergence.
Conversely, focusing only on distant goals causes plans to shift repeatedly due to sensitivity to initial conditions. Only effort spins uselessly.
In complex systems, “certain steps nearby” is the only strategy that turns a chaotic future into an ally.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people how to balance dreams and reality.
On social media, you see others’ glamorous successes. You feel rushed to accomplish something big all at once.
Anyone can feel this way. But if you truly want to go far, carefully stacking up what you can do today is the shortest path.
Specifically, hold big goals while cherishing small daily actions.
If you dream of starting a business, first build trust in your current job. If you want a healthy body, start with today’s meal and today’s steps.
If you desire rich relationships, value conversations with the person in front of you.
Having both eyes matters. One eye looks far ahead, the other watches your feet.
Looking only far ahead makes you stumble. Looking only at your feet makes you lose direction.
Your dream is wonderful. To realize that dream, what can you do today within reach?
That one step will eventually carry you far.
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