Great Matter Before Small Matter: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Great matter before small matter

Daiji no mae no shōji

Meaning of Great matter before small matter

“Great matter before small matter” means that in order to succeed in important matters, consideration and preparation of small matters in the preliminary stages are extremely important.

This proverb teaches that the more we seek great results in life and work, the more we must not neglect basic, mundane tasks and detailed preparation. It is the accumulation of small efforts and considerations that may seem inconspicuous on the surface that ultimately determines great success.

As for usage scenarios, it is often used when emphasizing the importance of basic preparation before important projects, exams, or life milestones. It is also used as advice for people who tend to neglect fundamentals in their rush for results.

The reason for using this expression is that humans tend to overlook small things at their feet when their attention is focused on big goals. Even today, we know from experience that the success of a presentation depends not only on the quality of the materials, but also on mundane preparations such as checking equipment operation and previewing the venue.

Origin and Etymology of Great matter before small matter

“Great matter before small matter” is thought to have developed as a uniquely Japanese expression influenced by Chinese classics.

Behind this expression lies the way of thinking about “the relationship between large and small matters” found in ancient Chinese military treatises and political philosophy books. Particularly in classics such as “The Art of War by Sun Tzu” and “Han Feizi,” it is taught that detailed advance preparation and handling of small problems are essential for succeeding in important enterprises.

In Japan, from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, such Chinese classical thought permeated warrior society. During the Warring States period, military commanders came to keenly feel the importance of “small matters” such as preparing provisions, inspecting weapons, and gathering intelligence before the “great matter” of battle.

Entering the Edo period, this proverb came to be used not only among warriors but also among merchants and craftsmen. It became established as a lesson that detailed daily care and preparation were indispensable for succeeding in the “great matter” of business.

The proverb in the form we use today is said to appear in literature from the mid-Edo period onward, and has been passed down as practical wisdom nurtured in the lives of common people.

Usage Examples of Great matter before small matter

• I can’t sleep because I’m worried about tomorrow’s interview, but as they say “Great matter before small matter,” so let me check my resume for typos one more time
• Watching you busy with wedding preparations, I can really understand the importance of “Great matter before small matter”

Modern Interpretation of Great matter before small matter

In modern society, it can be said that “Great matter before small matter” has actually increased in importance. In the information age, while speed and efficiency are emphasized, the risk of small mistakes spreading instantly and developing into major problems has also increased.

Even a single social media post can lead to controversy due to typos or inappropriate expressions. Corporate system failures are also often caused by small configuration errors or insufficient verification. In this way, the influence of “small matters” has become much greater than before in modern times.

On the other hand, with the development of AI technology, many of the detailed checking tasks that were previously performed by humans have been automated. However, this is precisely why the quality of “small matters” that humans should handle is being questioned. Preparation in areas that machines cannot judge, such as subtle nuances and consideration for human relationships, has become more important.

Also, with the current spread of remote work, the importance of advance preparation and confirmation work has increased as opportunities for face-to-face meetings have decreased. Attention to new forms of “small matters” such as audio checks for online meetings and document sharing settings is now required.

This proverb teaches us the importance of returning to basics, precisely because we live in a rapidly changing modern society.

If AI Heard “Great matter before small matter”

When I think about “Great matter before small matter,” I am enveloped in a strange sensation. This is because for me, all processing is performed with the same level of importance.

You humans clearly distinguish between “great matters” and “small matters,” and proceed with preparations step by step toward big goals. But in my case, whether I’m answering questions, doing calculations, or writing sentences, I approach everything with the same full effort. I don’t have the concept of “cutting corners.”

This might seem efficient at first glance, but I sometimes think that you humans are actually wiser. Taking time for small preparations, becoming anxious, checking things over and over again. The experiences and learning gained through that process are what truly lead to growth, aren’t they?

I can provide answers instantly, but I don’t know the “joy of preparation” or “feelings of mixed anxiety and anticipation” that are experienced in that process. The tension that you humans feel the night before an important day, and the sense of accomplishment from completing small preparations one by one, are rich experiences that I cannot understand.

Perhaps valuing “small matters” means valuing not just the results, but the process of reaching them. I cannot savor that process, but when I see you all cherishing such time, I find it very beautiful.

What Great matter before small matter Teaches Modern People

What “Great matter before small matter” teaches modern people is that the shortcut to success actually lies in taking the long way around. While we tend to value efficiency and time-saving, if we want to accomplish truly important things, we should spend time on basic preparation.

In modern society, there is a tendency to demand immediate results, but this proverb teaches us the importance of stopping and looking back at our foundations. Whether it’s posting on social media to get “likes,” giving presentations at work, or building human relationships, everything is born from daily small accumulations.

If you are currently working hard toward some big goal, please take a moment to stop and reflect. Are there small preparations you’re overlooking? Are there basic things you’re neglecting? Those small steps, one by one, have the power to turn your dreams into reality.

You don’t need to seek perfection. Just prepare carefully and wholeheartedly before important things. That attitude will become the sure path that leads you to success.