How to Read “Comparing the heights of acorns”
Donguri no seikurabe
Meaning of “Comparing the heights of acorns”
“Comparing the heights of acorns” is a proverb that means several things being compared are so similar that there’s no real difference between them.
This proverb is mainly used when comparing abilities, grades, or quality. For example, when everyone’s test scores are about the same, or when multiple candidates have equal skills.
The important point is that it doesn’t necessarily mean “inferior.” It simply describes an objective state where there’s no difference.
However, in actual use, this proverb often carries a slightly sarcastic tone. It’s usually used in contexts suggesting “everything is mediocre with nothing outstanding” rather than “everything is excellent.”
It describes situations where competition or comparison is pointless because everything is too similar to rank. This expression shows the keen Japanese observation of comparing such situations to acorns, a familiar natural object.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb comes from the fact that acorns are almost all the same size. If you’ve ever picked up acorns that fell to the ground in autumn, you can probably picture this scene.
Acorns are the general name for nuts from trees like sawtooth oak and konara oak. Acorns from the same tree have almost no difference in size.
Even when children collect and line them up, they’re so similar that it’s hard to tell which is biggest.
This natural scene likely became a way to describe human society. Documents from the Edo period contain this expression, so the proverb has at least several hundred years of history.
The word “seikurabe” (comparing heights) is also interesting. Comparing heights is something everyone experiences as a child.
We mark our growth on pillars or stand next to friends asking “who’s taller?” But when there’s almost no difference, the competition becomes meaningless.
The image of comparing tiny differences in acorn sizes overlaps with comparing heights with barely any difference. This is how the proverb was born.
Interesting Facts
Botanically, acorns are a type of fruit called “nuts” from trees in the beech family. What’s interesting is that acorns from the same tree actually do vary slightly in size.
However, the difference is so small that human eyes can barely detect it. This characteristic of “actually different but visually indistinguishable” works perfectly as a metaphor in this proverb.
Acorns have long been familiar to Japanese people. In the Jomon period, they were processed as an important food source. They’ve also been loved as children’s toys.
This cultural background is why metaphors using acorns resonated with people and became established as a proverb.
Usage Examples
- All the new recruits this year are excellent, but honestly it’s comparing the heights of acorns and I can’t decide who to hire
- Even looking at the top students in class, it’s comparing the heights of acorns, so choosing a representative for recommendation entrance exams is difficult
Universal Wisdom
The proverb “Comparing the heights of acorns” reflects a universal conflict between humanity’s desire to “create differences” and the reality that “no difference exists.”
We humans are creatures who constantly compare, rank, and judge superiority. This might be an instinct from survival competition, or a psychological need to confirm our position.
However, the real world contains many situations where clear differences cannot be made.
This proverb has been passed down for so long precisely because it captures this universal truth. No matter how closely we compare, the reality is often that there’s no real difference.
This can be comical, sometimes brings resignation, and sometimes provides comfort.
What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t necessarily criticize “having no difference.” Rather, it provides a perspective for calmly observing the act of forcing differences.
An acorn is an acorn, and competing over slight size differences doesn’t change its essence. This detached viewpoint might be the wisdom our ancestors tried to convey.
In human society, we often overvalue trivial differences and lose sight of what’s essential. This proverb asks us, “What truly matters?”
When AI Hears This
Comparing acorns to each other certainly shows they’re similar, but this conclusion only emerges because we limited the comparison range to acorns.
If we added watermelon or pumpkin seeds to the comparison, the few millimeters of difference between acorns would suddenly become meaningful. In measurement theory, this is called “reference point dependency.”
What you choose as your standard completely changes how you interpret the same data.
Even more interesting is the problem of measurement resolution. If you measure acorns in one-centimeter units, they all look “2 centimeters” with no difference.
But measure in 0.1-millimeter units, and a 2.3-centimeter acorn versus a 1.8-centimeter acorn shows over 20 percent difference. That’s not negligible.
Psychologist Tversky’s research shows that humans automatically lower their resolution for detecting fine differences the moment they judge comparison subjects as similar.
Consider corporate job interviews. If all applicants are from famous universities, you easily feel “everyone’s excellent with no difference.”
But break down evaluation items and measure logical thinking, empathy, and execution ability on a 10-point scale, and clear differences emerge.
Many situations where we feel “no real difference” are actually results of our brains automatically lowering resolution and narrowing the comparison range.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people an important perspective: “knowing the limits of comparison.”
Modern society is an age of comparison. On social media, we compare our lives to others. At work, we compete with colleagues. At school, we’re ranked by grades.
However, not all comparisons are meaningful. When there’s no essential difference, comparison becomes a waste of time and energy.
What matters is the courage to accept the reality of “no difference.” If your abilities and your colleague’s are similar, that’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Rather, it’s more constructive to acknowledge this fact and think about how to cooperate.
This proverb also gives hints for finding “your authentic self.” If competing over acorn size is meaningless, become something other than an acorn.
Step off the comparison platform and find your unique value. That’s how you escape from comparing the heights of acorns.
When you’re tired of meaningless competition, remember this proverb. You have enough value just as you are.
Comments