How to Read “鶏口となるも牛後となるなかれ”
Keikou to naru mo gyuugo to naru nakare
Meaning of “鶏口となるも牛後となるなかれ”
This proverb means that it is better to take a responsible position in a small organization than to be at the bottom of a large organization.
In other words, it teaches that one should value the importance of their role and autonomy rather than the scale of the organization. It expresses the idea that being involved in management or having important decision-making authority in a small company, rather than being buried as just one employee in a large corporation, leads to greater personal growth and fulfillment.
This proverb is used in situations such as when choosing a career path or changing jobs, when one is uncertain about selecting an organization. It is employed to convey the importance of making judgments based on how much one can excel and how much responsibility one can take, rather than being misled by superficial scale or reputation. Even today, it remains a beloved saying often quoted when considering transfers to venture companies or independence.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is said to originate from the words of Mencius, a philosopher from China’s Warring States period. When Mencius taught his disciples about the ideal way of life, he left behind the teaching “Become chicken mouth rather than become cattle rear not.”
“Chicken mouth” refers to the mouth of a chicken, meaning a position of leadership even in a small group, while “cattle rear” represents the rear of an ox, meaning a position at the bottom of a large group. Mencius taught that taking initiative and responsibility even in a small organization was more valuable than being buried within a large organization.
This teaching is deeply connected to the political situation of ancient China. It was an era of competing warlords, where many intellectuals were forced to choose between serving large states or being valued in small states. Mencius’s words questioned what constitutes a truly valuable way of life against this historical backdrop.
It was transmitted to Japan from ancient times, with records found in Edo period literature. It is thought to have deeply taken root in Japanese values, having connections with the spirit of bushido.
Usage Examples
- I turned down a job offer from a major corporation to take on an important position at a startup – it’s truly “Become chicken mouth rather than become cattle rear not”
- I’ve been assigned to become branch manager of a small regional office, but I’ll work hard with the spirit of “Become chicken mouth rather than become cattle rear not”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, new complexities have emerged in interpreting this proverb. This is because the relationship between organizational scale and individual influence has changed dramatically from the past in our information society.
With the spread of social media and the internet, it has become possible to have global influence even while in a small organization. Cases where information disseminated by individuals spreads instantly and creates greater impact than large corporations are not uncommon. In this regard, the essential value of this proverb can be said to be fully applicable in modern times.
On the other hand, in modern work environments, the value placed on “stability” is also important. While stability is no longer guaranteed even at large corporations with the collapse of the lifetime employment system, the reality is that many people still consider them lower risk than small organizations.
Furthermore, in modern times, the boundary between “chicken mouth” and “cattle rear” has become ambiguous. Even large corporations can function as small organizations when viewed at the department or project level, where it’s possible to demonstrate leadership. Conversely, even when working at a small company, if it operates as a subcontractor to large corporations, one may effectively be in a “cattle rear” position.
What’s important may not be the scale of the organization, but rather how proactively one can be involved and whether there’s an environment for growth.
When AI Hears This
In today’s business environment, we’re witnessing a fascinating phenomenon where the “correct answer” to this proverb shifts 180 degrees depending on the industry and era.
In the world of YouTube and TikTok, the “head of a chicken” strategy is overwhelmingly advantageous. It’s not uncommon for creators running niche channels with 10,000 subscribers to earn higher revenue and wield more influence than editing staff at channels with a million subscribers. In the age of personal branding, becoming the leader of a small community allows for direct monetization and the cultivation of a passionate fanbase.
On the other hand, in fields requiring massive capital and talent—like AI development or biotechnology—the “tail of an ox” strategy proves more realistic. Working as a researcher at Google or OpenAI, with access to cutting-edge technology, often provides greater long-term career value than fighting with limited resources as the head of a small startup.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how the same individuals strategically switch between these approaches at different phases. There’s been a surge in people who sharpen their skills at large corporations, then leverage that expertise to go independent and become the “head of a chicken” in their specialized field.
In essence, this ancient Chinese wisdom shouldn’t be interpreted as “choose one or the other,” but rather as a modern guideline asking, “Which approach is more strategically correct for me right now?” It’s a rare example of a proverb where the optimal solution changes as times evolve.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us in modern times is the importance of having the discernment to identify what is truly important in life’s choices. It is most crucial to have the courage to choose an environment where you can grow and demonstrate your abilities, without being misled by social appearances or superficial glamour.
In modern society, belonging to prestigious large corporations or famous organizations tends to be considered proof of success. However, if you cannot fully demonstrate your individuality and abilities there, you cannot achieve true fulfillment. Rather, even if the scale is small, a place where your existence is valued and where you can work with responsibility leads to growth as a person.
What matters is not others’ evaluations, but how proactively you can be involved. By becoming a big fish in a small pond, your potential is maximized. And the experience and confidence cultivated there will surely be utilized on larger stages as well.
Life is once only. Rather than choosing the safe path while worrying about others’ opinions, find a place where you can shine as yourself and exert your full effort there. That is the first step toward true success.
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