How to Read “狐死して兎悲しむ”
Kitsune shishite usagi kanashimu
Meaning of “狐死して兎悲しむ”
This proverb means that those in similar circumstances or positions grieve for their companions’ misfortunes as if they were their own.
Foxes and rabbits are originally different animals, but both are small creatures that share the position of being hunted by humans. When a fox dies, the rabbit grieves out of deep empathy between those in the same vulnerable position. It expresses the sorrow of a community of shared fate, where the disaster that befalls the fox today might befall oneself tomorrow.
This proverb is used in situations where people in socially vulnerable positions show deep sympathy or solidarity toward their companions’ misfortunes. It contains not mere sympathy, but the earnest feeling of “there but for the grace of God go I.” Even today, it’s used to express the empathy felt among people working in the same workplace or those facing similar difficulties.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Fox dies and rabbit grieves” traces back to classical Chinese literature. This expression is thought to derive from the phrase “狐死兎泣” (fox dies, rabbit weeps) that appears in ancient Chinese poetry and historical tales.
In ancient China, both foxes and rabbits were small animals that shared the position of being hunted by humans. When a fox died, the rabbit’s grief came from empathy between those in the same circumstances. In other words, it expresses the sorrow of a community of shared fate—today the fox was hunted, but tomorrow one might follow the same destiny.
It was transmitted to Japan along with classical Chinese literature, and this expression can be found in Edo period documents. It has been used particularly as a phrase expressing solidarity among those in socially vulnerable positions and empathy toward people in similar circumstances.
The background to this proverb’s creation lies in the importance of people in similar positions caring for each other amid harsh natural environments and social conditions. It’s striking how it uses the example of foxes and rabbits—originally different animals—to express the depth of empathy that transcends species.
Usage Examples
- Seeing a colleague who was laid off, I felt the sentiment of “Fox dies and rabbit grieves”
- Hearing news that a fellow freelancer lost work, I have the feeling of “Fox dies and rabbit grieves”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and multi-layered. With globalization and the spread of social media, we can now learn about the situations of people in various positions around the world in real time.
Particularly noteworthy is the diversification of work styles. In the modern era where people of various employment types—regular employees, temporary workers, freelancers, gig workers—coexist, the emotions of “Fox dies and rabbit grieves” have become more complex than before. Even when working at the same company, the degree of empathy felt varies depending on one’s position.
On the other hand, as it has become easier for people in similar circumstances to connect through social media, the solidarity that this proverb represents has become stronger and more widespread. For example, networks of empathy that transcend physical distance have formed, such as among restaurant owners who faced hardship during the COVID pandemic, or parents struggling to balance childcare and work.
However, in our information-rich modern age, seeing too many “fox deaths” can sometimes cause emotional numbness. There’s a danger of being swept away by the flood of information even in situations where we should show deep empathy.
In the modern era, this proverb serves as an important guideline for considering how human relationships should exist in digital society.
When AI Hears This
“When the fox dies, the rabbit grieves” and the echo chamber phenomenon both deal with “bonds between similar beings,” yet they actually have completely opposite psychological mechanisms.
In this proverb, the fox and rabbit—animals that are normally unrelated—are connected through their shared position as “weak creatures hunted by humans.” In other words, the power to imagine “what if that were me” is at work toward a different kind of being. This imagination is the very source of empathy.
In echo chambers, on the other hand, people with the same opinions gather together, but what happens there is a withering of imagination. Social media algorithms display only similar posts, robbing us of opportunities to encounter different viewpoints. For example, when we see only posts that align with our own thinking on political topics, our ability to imagine the feelings of those with opposing views weakens.
What’s fascinating is that while both involve “similar beings,” one nurtures imagination toward others while the other steals that imagination away. Precisely because foxes and rabbits are different species, they make an effort to imagine each other’s position. But people in echo chambers share the same opinions from the start, so there’s no need to imagine.
What this contrast reveals is the paradox that true empathy begins with recognizing “differences.” Perhaps this is where we find the reason why divisions in modern society continue to deepen.
Lessons for Today
What “Fox dies and rabbit grieves” teaches modern people is what true empathy means. Not superficial sympathy, but deep understanding felt by overlaying oneself with another’s position becomes the foundation of human relationships.
In modern society, we tend to think we’ve shown empathy by pressing “like” on social media, but true empathy is much deeper. It’s important to feel others’ pain as our own pain and maintain the humility of “there but for the grace of God go I.”
Whether at work, at home, or in the community, we interact with people in various positions. When someone faces difficulties, rather than dismissing it as someone else’s problem, we should have hearts that empathize as fellow human beings.
This proverb also teaches us the importance of solidarity. Difficulties that cannot be overcome alone can sometimes be overcome by supporting each other with people in similar circumstances. Like the rabbit that grieves the fox’s death, feelings of caring for one another become the first step toward creating a better society.
Why don’t you try to open your heart a little deeper to the joys and sorrows of those around you starting today?
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