How to Read “Yesterday’s deep pool is today’s shallow rapids”
きのうのふちはきょうのせ
Meaning of “Yesterday’s deep pool is today’s shallow rapids”
This proverb means that circumstances in the world and people’s situations constantly change.
Just as a place that was a deep pool yesterday becomes shallow rapids today, human fortune and social conditions can shift at unexpected speeds.
People use this saying to describe how prosperous individuals fall into decline, or how those in difficult positions achieve success.
It also serves as a warning that situations we think are stable can suddenly change.
Even today, we can feel the truth of this proverb in many situations. We see it in the rise and fall of companies, the ups and downs of individual careers, and sudden shifts in social conditions.
Because we live in an era of rapid change, this saying teaches us something important. We shouldn’t become arrogant in good times or despair in bad times.
Instead, we should always be ready to accept change.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records exist about the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from how the words are structured.
“Fuchi” refers to a deep part of a river where the current flows slowly. “Se” means a shallow part where the current flows quickly.
When you watch a river, you’ll notice something interesting. The same location can change its character dramatically depending on water volume.
After heavy rain, shallow rapids can become deep pools. During a drought, what was once a deep pool can turn into shallow rapids.
This proverb likely came from people who lived near rivers and observed water changes daily. Rivers have always been closely connected to people’s lives in Japan.
They were important for fishing, water transport, and agricultural irrigation. Reading the river’s condition was essential survival knowledge.
The dramatic changes in rivers must have left deep impressions on people’s memories.
The idea of comparing this natural phenomenon to life’s changes shows something special. It demonstrates Japanese people’s keen observation of nature and their rich metaphorical thinking.
The cleverness of this proverb lies in how it uses a concrete, familiar phenomenon to express the abstract concept of life’s impermanence.
Usage Examples
- あの会社も昨日の淵は今日の瀬で、数年前の勢いはもうないな
- 昨日の淵は今日の瀬というから、今の苦境もいつか変わると信じている
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down for generations for an important reason. Humans are creatures who fundamentally seek permanence.
We unconsciously assume that our current state will continue forever. When we’re happy, we imagine it will last eternally. When we’re suffering, we despair that we’ll never escape.
However, if you look at nature, everything is in flux. Just as river depths change, seasons cycle, and the moon waxes and wanes, change is the essence of the world.
Our ancestors understood this truth deeply.
What’s interesting is that this proverb isn’t just about resignation. It carries both hope and warning.
For those currently suffering, it offers the hope that “things will definitely change.” For those doing well, it issues the warning “don’t let your guard down.”
This duality reflects a deep understanding of human psychology.
People fear change, yet they’re also saved by it. Nothing is more suffocating than a fixed state.
This proverb teaches the importance of flexibility. It tells us to accept change not as an enemy, but as a natural part of life.
The wisdom here is about living with change. Don’t fight against the river’s flow, but don’t just drift along either.
That’s the universal truth contained in this proverb.
When AI Hears This
Changes in riverbed topography are a perfect example of what complexity science calls a “critical state.”
A critical state is when a system sits on the boundary between small changes and large changes. Think of dropping sand grains one by one onto a sandpile.
Sometimes nothing happens. Other times, a sudden large avalanche occurs. The same phenomenon happens on riverbeds.
Sediment constantly flows into rivers, and deposition and erosion repeat endlessly. Deep pools gradually accumulate sediment, while water currents carve away shallow rapids.
This state seems stable, but it’s actually maintaining a delicate balance. It could change dramatically at any moment.
For example, when heavy rain falls, sediment accumulated in pools suddenly washes away. Meanwhile, sediment deposits in what used to be rapids.
A small change in water volume triggers a complete reversal of the entire topography.
What’s fascinating is that you can’t predict where or when this reversal will occur. Complexity research shows that systems in critical states follow a “power law.”
This means small changes happen frequently, while large changes are rare but certain to occur. River topography follows this pattern.
It adjusts daily in small ways, then occasionally transforms dramatically.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you something crucial for modern life. Don’t treat “now” as absolute.
You might feel anxious seeing others’ success on social media. You might feel crushed by your own failures. But the view you see now is just a momentary snapshot.
What matters is living with change as a given. When things go well, stay humble and keep learning for the next change.
When times are tough, hold onto hope and focus on what you can do now.
Since change is inevitable, you can learn to make it your ally.
Modern society is accelerating the pace of change. That’s exactly why this proverb’s wisdom shines brightly.
Neither careers nor relationships are fixed. Have the courage to ride the waves of change with flexibility and resilience.
Today’s pool and today’s rapids are both parts of the great river that is your life. Trust that flow and keep moving forward.
Comments