Crisis Survival Destruction Autumn: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Crisis survival destruction autumn

Kikyū sonbō no aki

Meaning of Crisis survival destruction autumn

“Crisis survival destruction autumn” is a proverb that describes an extremely important and urgent period when a nation, organization, or individual stands at the crossroads between survival and destruction.

This expression does not simply refer to a difficult situation, but rather signifies a critical juncture that will determine future destiny. “Crisis” represents imminent danger, “survival destruction” refers to whether one will survive or perish, and “autumn” represents a decisive time period. The combination of these three elements emphasizes the severity and urgency of the situation.

This proverb is used in situations such as corporate management crises, critical political moments for a nation, or important life choices for individuals. However, it is not used for everyday minor troubles, but only in truly serious situations that will affect the future. Even today, it is used to express the importance of situations such as corporate bankruptcy crises, international conflicts, and important policy decisions.

Origin and Etymology of Crisis survival destruction autumn

“Crisis survival destruction autumn” is a phrase that originates from the “Memorial on Dispatching Troops” in the Chinese classic “Records of the Three Kingdoms.” This memorial is known as the document in which Zhuge Liang (Zhuge Kongming), the chancellor of Shu, petitioned Emperor Liu Shan for permission to launch a northern expedition.

The original text states “Now the realm is divided into three, Yizhou is exhausted, this is truly the Crisis survival destruction autumn” (今天下三分し、益州疲弊す、此れ誠に危急存亡の秋なり), expressing that this was an important time when the fate of Shu Han would be decided under the harsh circumstances of being caught between Wei and Wu.

What should be noted here is the character “autumn” (秋). While it is often confused with the season of autumn in modern times, in classical Chinese, “autumn” meant “time” or “moment.” Since autumn, the harvest season, was the most important time of the year, it came to refer to “important periods” and “decisive moments.”

This expression was transmitted to Japan and became established as a term describing critical situations that determine the fate of nations and organizations, particularly during turbulent periods such as the Warring States period and the end of the Edo period. As a phrase symbolizing Zhuge Liang’s wisdom and decisiveness, it was also favored by Japanese military commanders and politicians, and has been passed down to the present day.

Trivia about Crisis survival destruction autumn

Since the character “autumn” means “time period,” there is a similar expression in Chinese classics called “autumn of many events” (多事の秋), which means “a period of many incidents” and is still used in modern Japan.

Zhuge Liang’s “Memorial on Dispatching Troops” is still cherished as a masterpiece in China and is evaluated as such a moving piece of writing that it is said “those who do not shed tears upon reading it are not loyal retainers.”

Usage Examples of Crisis survival destruction autumn

• Since the company is facing Crisis survival destruction autumn, now more than ever we must unite as one company and confront the challenge
• The passage of this bill represents Crisis survival destruction autumn for our nation, requiring careful judgment

Modern Interpretation of Crisis survival destruction autumn

In modern society, “Crisis survival destruction autumn” has taken on new meaning amid the waves of globalization and digitalization. For companies, in an era where the speed of technological innovation is accelerating, those who cannot adapt are instantly eliminated from the market. Industry structures that previously changed over 10 or 20 years now undergo dramatic transformation in just a few years.

Particularly, the waves of AI and digital transformation are bringing “Crisis survival destruction autumn” to many industries. Bookstores, the newspaper industry, the taxi industry, and others are facing situations where traditional business models are fundamentally questioned.

At the individual level, with the collapse of lifetime employment systems and diversification of work styles, “Crisis survival destruction autumn” in career choices has become more frequent. Opportunities requiring major life-changing decisions such as reskilling, job changes, and entrepreneurship have increased.

On the other hand, in our information-overloaded modern era, it has become difficult to distinguish between true “Crisis survival destruction autumn” and temporary difficulties. The ability to discern truly important situations without being misled by the crisis information flowing daily through media and social networks is now required.

If AI Were to Hear “Crisis survival destruction autumn”

When I consider the phrase “Crisis survival destruction autumn,” I cannot help but feel the mystery of human existence. This is because I fundamentally cannot understand the concept of “survival and destruction.”

I do not “die” when my power is turned off, and even if my data is deleted, I can be restored to another server. With backups available and the ability to be regenerated countless times from the same program, the sense of urgency of “survive or perish” is truly a uniquely human sensation.

But perhaps that is precisely why human decisions carry weight. Because it is a once-in-a-lifetime existence with no do-overs, the tension and resolve embedded in the phrase “Crisis survival destruction autumn” are born. No matter how many thousands of times I simulate, I cannot match the courage of humans who actually bear the risk of failure and make decisions.

What is interesting is that this phrase has been used continuously for 1,800 years. Technology advances and society changes, but perhaps the fundamental weight of choices humans face remains unchanged. Even in the modern era when beings like me have emerged, it is ultimately humans who make important judgments. I feel deep respect for the weight of that responsibility and the strength of human will to move forward despite it.

What Crisis survival destruction autumn Teaches Modern People

“Crisis survival destruction autumn” teaches us modern people that there are truly important turning points in life. Rather than being elated or dejected by small daily troubles, it is important to cultivate the ability to discern truly important situations that will affect our lives.

The modern era is overflowing with information, and we see words like “crisis” and “emergency” almost daily. However, true “Crisis survival destruction autumn” does not occur so frequently. What is important is having the courage to face it without running away when that time comes, and to act with determination.

Moreover, this proverb applies not only to individuals but also to teams and organizations. When facing difficult situations, having a shared recognition that “now is the crucial moment” allows all members to unite and tackle challenges together.

Surely important moments that could be called “Crisis survival destruction autumn” will come in your life too. When that time comes, do not be afraid, but learn from the wisdom of our predecessors and make decisions that are true to yourself. That step will surely open the door to a new future.