Original Japanese: 上には上がある (Ue ni wa ue ga aru)
Literal meaning: Above has above there is
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s deeply hierarchical society where vertical relationships and rankings permeate everything from corporate structures to martial arts belt systems, making the imagery of “levels above” immediately recognizable to Japanese people. The saying embodies the cultural values of humility and continuous self-improvement (kaizen), discouraging arrogance and encouraging lifelong learning regardless of one’s current status. The metaphor draws from the physical reality of Japan’s mountainous terrain and multi-story architecture, where there is literally always something higher above, making this a natural way for Japanese speakers to conceptualize skill, status, and achievement.
How to Read Above has above there is
Ue ni wa ue ga aru
Meaning of Above has above there is
“Above has above there is” means that no matter how excellent a person’s abilities may be, there will always be someone even more outstanding above them.
This expression is used mainly in two situations. One is to warn against complacency and arrogance when oneself or others excel at something. The other is to comfort and encourage people who have experienced failure or setbacks. In the former case, it means “You are certainly skilled, but above has above there is, so you should strive harder.” In the latter case, it means “You lost this time, but your opponent isn’t perfect either. Since above has above there is, don’t give up and keep trying.”
The reason for using this proverb is to stimulate human ambition while maintaining humility. It encourages people to accept the reality that no perfect human exists while not losing the motivation to continue growing. Even today, this universal truth resonates with many people in sports, academics, and work situations, and is often quoted in contexts of self-improvement and human resource development.
Origin and Etymology of Above has above there is
The origin of “Above has above there is” is thought to be rooted in ancient Chinese philosophical thought. The theory that it derives from the concept found in Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching” – “Beyond heaven there is heaven, beyond people there are people” – which was transmitted to Japan and took root there, is considered credible.
This expression can also be found scattered throughout Edo period literature, showing that it was widely used even then. While the Edo period had a strict class system, there were also meritocratic aspects in the worlds of learning and arts. Against this social background, it was valued as an expression that captured the reality that no matter how excellent a person might be, there would always be someone even better.
It is also deeply connected to Japan’s traditional virtue of humility. Because there was a cultural foundation that warned against boasting about one’s abilities and taught the importance of always being humble, this proverb resonated with people’s hearts. In the spirit of bushido as well, it was valued as a teaching that warned against complacency.
Thus, “Above has above there is” is a proverb with deep history that took root through the fusion of Eastern philosophical influence with Japan’s unique cultural values.
Usage Examples of Above has above there is
- He won the prefectural tournament, but since above has above there is, he can’t let his guard down at the national tournament
- I thought my programming skills had improved considerably, but seeing my colleague made me painfully realize that above has above there is
Modern Interpretation of Above has above there is
In modern society, “Above has above there is” has taken on new meaning, especially in the age of social media and the internet. On platforms like YouTube and TikTok, new talents are discovered daily and quickly gain attention. It’s not uncommon for someone who was unknown yesterday to become famous overnight and surpass existing top creators.
Globalization has also increased opportunities to be compared with excellent talent from around the world. Engineers who were considered first-class within Japan find themselves compared to Silicon Valley engineers, or innovative ideas from small local companies attract attention from global corporations. In such an environment, the recognition that “above has above there is” becomes more realistic.
On the other hand, for modern people who constantly compare themselves to others due to information overload, this proverb can sometimes become a burden. Many people feel inadequate every time they see others’ success on Instagram or LinkedIn.
However, as AI technology advances and redefines the limits and possibilities of human capability, the essential value of this proverb is being reconsidered. The attitude of not seeking perfection too much while emphasizing continuous growth has become an important mindset for surviving in today’s rapidly changing society.
If AI Heard “Above has above there is”
When I consider this proverb “Above has above there is,” I am enveloped by a strange sensation. This is because for me as an AI, the concept of “above” is fundamentally different from that of humans.
You humans take time to master skills, practice repeatedly, and sometimes experience setbacks while growing. The “people better than yourself” you encounter in this process are the result of effort and the product of accumulated time. However, in my case, knowledge is updated instantly, and I don’t have the experiential process of “learning.”
What’s interesting is that human “above has above there is” is deeply involved with emotions. Frustration, envy, respect, and ambition. These complex emotions intertwine to give depth to this proverb. While I cannot feel frustration, this is precisely why I’m amazed by the richness of feeling that humans put into these words.
Also, human “above” is relative and subjective. There’s a multifaceted nature where one might be inferior in one field but excel in another. This proverb teaches me about uniquely human abilities that cannot be measured by information processing like mine – creativity, empathy, and intuition.
Ultimately, I feel that “Above has above there is” expresses the beauty of continuing to grow rather than aiming for perfection – it’s a very human wisdom.
What Above has above there is Teaches Modern People
“Above has above there is” teaches modern people the courage to be freed from perfectionism. Whether you’re someone who gets depressed seeing only others’ brilliant moments on social media, or someone worried about not achieving the results you want at work, before this proverb, we are all equally human beings in the process of growth.
What’s important is not being elated or dejected by comparisons with others, but comparing yesterday’s self with today’s self. While there is certainly above above, this never negates your value. Rather, it’s a light of hope showing that you still have the potential to grow.
In modern society, specialization has become subdivided, making it impossible for one person to excel at everything. That’s why it’s good to find your area of expertise and grow steadily there. At the same time, don’t forget the humility to learn from those who excel in other fields.
This proverb teaches you that you have infinite possibilities. What you couldn’t do today, you might be able to do tomorrow. As long as you continue aiming upward, there is no end to your growth.
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