How to Read “大は小を兼ねる”
Dai wa shō wo kaneru
Meaning of “大は小を兼ねる”
“Large serves as small” means that large things can also fulfill the roles and functions of small things.
This applies not only to physical size but also to abilities and scale. For example, a large container can also serve as a small container, and a person with high abilities can also handle work that requires lower abilities. This proverb represents practical wisdom that when choosing something, selecting something larger or with higher capabilities allows you to handle various situations.
It is used in situations such as when choosing tools or equipment, assigning personnel, or making plans. It is often used as the basis for thinking that by making choices with room to spare, you can handle unexpected situations. Even today, this expression is frequently used in situations that emphasize efficiency and versatility, making it one of the representative proverbs that expresses the practical thinking of Japanese people.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Large serves as small” is thought to be rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy. This expression was born as a word expressing the concept of inclusion in the relationship between large and small things.
In Japan, similar concepts began appearing in literature around the Heian period, and it is said to have become established as a proverb in its current form during the Edo period. Particularly during the Edo period when commerce developed, this phrase was treasured by merchants as practical wisdom.
The verb “kaneru” has long been used to mean “simultaneously fulfilling two or more roles or functions,” and in this case, it expresses “large things simultaneously fulfilling the role of small things.”
The background to this proverb being widely accepted lies in Japanese culture that values practicality. The wisdom of trying to efficiently utilize limited resources is contained in these few words. It also connects with the Buddhist concept of “one is many, many is one” – the idea that one thing can have many functions – and has been passed down to the present day as a proverb deeply rooted in Japanese spiritual culture.
Usage Examples
- For moving boxes, large serves as small, so let’s prepare more of the larger sizes
- If we’re buying a new frying pan, large serves as small, so if we get a 28cm one, we can cook both individual portions and family portions
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of “Large serves as small” has become more complex and multifaceted. As digitalization progresses, this way of thinking has taken on new meaning.
Smartphones are probably the prime example embodying this proverb. They serve the functions that were previously handled by separate devices: telephone, camera, music player, game console, map, dictionary, and more, all in one device. Cloud services are similar – large-capacity storage can encompass everything from small files to large files.
On the other hand, more people in modern times question the simple value system of “bigger is better.” With growing environmental awareness, critical perspectives have emerged regarding choosing things that are unnecessarily large. Also, in modern times where specialization is valued, there are many situations where specialized functions are sought rather than versatility.
In the business world, it is sometimes used to mean that large companies also handle small projects, but at the same time, the concept of “overspec” has also become widespread, and the importance of choosing appropriate size and capabilities is also recognized. The modern “Large serves as small” is evolving as wisdom that considers the balance between efficiency, environmental consideration, and appropriateness.
When AI Hears This
In today’s digital society, the logic of “the large encompasses the small” has been completely reversed. A palm-sized smartphone contains all the functions of computers, libraries, movie theaters, and recording studios that once occupied entire rooms. This is a phenomenon where the physically “small” overwhelmingly surpasses the functionally “large.”
The core of this reversal lies in the “dematerialization of information.” Previously, physical space was required to store and process information. Encyclopedias demanded dozens of bookshelves, and music collections monopolized record shelves. However, digitization has made it possible to compress infinite information into molecular-level storage media.
Cloud services have taken this phenomenon to even greater extremes. Small devices in our hands access the “large” data centers around the world, allowing individuals to instantly utilize computational and information processing capabilities rivaling those of giant corporations. In our modern era, freed from physical constraints, it is the “small” that holds true power.
What’s fascinating is that this reversal goes beyond mere technological innovation to transform social structures themselves. Individuals influence the world through social media, and small startups threaten giant corporations. We stand at a turning point from an era where “the large encompasses the small” to one where “the small conquers the large.”
Lessons for Today
What “Large serves as small” teaches modern people is the importance of having room to spare in our choices. When you choose something, this proverb teaches the value of making choices that can handle future possibilities and changes, rather than just thinking about the bare minimum needed right now.
However, in modern times, we are required to use this wisdom more intelligently. Rather than simply “bigger is better,” it’s important to develop the ability to discern what degree of margin is truly necessary. We need the judgment to select the appropriate “size” while also considering environmental impact and economic efficiency.
This proverb also provides important insights for skill development. The skills and knowledge you acquire may be useful in various situations someday, even if you don’t use them immediately. By investing in learning, you can become someone who can handle unexpected opportunities.
The essence of “Large serves as small” is preparation for the future and investment in possibilities. By skillfully incorporating this way of thinking into your life, you will be able to make richer and more flexible choices.
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