How to Read “大事の前の小事”
Daiji no mae no shōji
Meaning of “大事の前の小事”
“Great matter before small matter” means that in order to succeed in important matters, consideration and preparation of small matters in the preliminary stages are extremely important.
This proverb teaches that the more we seek great results in life and work, the more we must not neglect basic, mundane tasks and detailed preparation. It is the accumulation of small efforts and considerations that may seem inconspicuous on the surface that ultimately determines great success.
As for usage scenarios, it is often used when emphasizing the importance of basic preparation before important projects, exams, or life milestones. It is also used as advice for people who tend to neglect fundamentals in their rush for results.
The reason for using this expression is that humans tend to overlook small things at their feet when their attention is focused on big goals. Even today, we know from experience that the success of a presentation depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on mundane preparations such as checking equipment operation and previewing the venue.
Origin and Etymology
“Great matter before small matter” is thought to have developed as a uniquely Japanese expression influenced by Chinese classics.
Behind this expression lies the way of thinking about “the relationship between large and small matters” found in ancient Chinese military treatises and political philosophy books. Particularly in classics such as “The Art of War by Sun Tzu” and “Han Feizi,” it is taught that detailed advance preparation and handling of small problems are essential for succeeding in important enterprises.
In Japan, from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, such Chinese classical thought permeated warrior society. During the Warring States period, military commanders came to keenly feel the importance of “small matters” such as preparing provisions, inspecting weapons, and gathering intelligence before the “great matter” of battle.
Entering the Edo period, this proverb came to be used not only among warriors but also among merchants and craftsmen. It became established as a lesson that detailed daily care and preparation were indispensable for succeeding in the “great matter” of business.
The proverb in the form we use today is said to appear in literature from the mid-Edo period onward, and has been passed down as practical wisdom nurtured in the lives of common people.
Usage Examples
- I can’t sleep because I’m worried about tomorrow’s interview, but as they say “Great matter before small matter,” so let me check my resume for typos one more time
- Watching you busy with wedding preparations, I can really understand the importance of “Great matter before small matter”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, it can be said that “Great matter before small matter” has actually increased in importance. In the information age, while speed and efficiency are emphasized, the risk of small mistakes spreading instantly and developing into major problems has also increased.
Even a single social media post can lead to controversy due to typos or inappropriate expressions. Corporate system failures are also often caused by small configuration errors or insufficient verification. In this way, the influence of “small matters” has become much greater than before in modern times.
On the other hand, with the development of AI technology, many of the detailed checking tasks that were previously performed by humans have been automated. However, this is precisely why the quality of “small matters” that humans should handle is being questioned. Preparation in areas that machines cannot judge, such as subtle nuances and consideration for human relationships, has become more important.
Also, with the current spread of remote work, the importance of advance preparation and confirmation work has increased as opportunities for face-to-face meetings have decreased. Attention to new forms of “small matters” such as audio checks for online meetings and document sharing settings is now required.
This proverb teaches us the importance of returning to basics, precisely because we live in a rapidly changing modern society.
When AI Hears This
In the world of systems thinking, there’s a fascinating concept called “leverage points” – these are small intervention points that can create massive changes throughout an entire system. “Small matters before big matters” is essentially ancient wisdom that identified these crucial leverage points.
Modern complexity theory has revealed the “butterfly effect,” where tiny differences in initial conditions can dramatically impact final outcomes. Meteorologist Edward Lorenz discovered this phenomenon, suggesting that a butterfly flapping its wings in Beijing could potentially trigger a storm in New York.
Systems thinking expert Donella Meadows identified 12 leverage points for system transformation, with the most powerful being seemingly minor shifts in perception like “paradigm changes” or “goal modifications.” Take Toyota’s “kaizen” culture, for example – their continuous focus on small problems revolutionized the entire manufacturing industry.
From a feedback loop perspective, small adjustments in the early stages determine later amplification effects. Startup companies instinctively understand this principle when they pour attention into initial user experience design. The ancients’ focus on “small matters” demonstrates their experiential grasp of how entire systems behave dynamically.
Lessons for Today
What “Great matter before small matter” teaches modern people is that the shortcut to success actually lies in taking the long way around. While we tend to value efficiency and time-saving, if we want to accomplish truly important things, we should spend time on basic preparation.
In modern society, there is a tendency to demand immediate results, but this proverb teaches us the importance of stopping and looking back at our foundations. Whether it’s posting on social media to get “likes,” giving presentations at work, or building human relationships, everything is born from daily small accumulations.
If you are currently working hard toward some big goal, please take a moment to stop and reflect. Are there small preparations you’re overlooking? Are there basic things you’re neglecting? Those small steps, one by one, have the power to turn your dreams into reality.
You don’t need to seek perfection. Just prepare carefully and wholeheartedly before important things. That attitude will become the sure path that leads you to success.
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