How to Read “狡兎死して走狗烹らる”
Kouto shishite souku niraru
Meaning of “狡兎死して走狗烹らる”
This proverb means that capable individuals who played important roles in achieving a major objective become unnecessary once that objective is accomplished, and are sometimes eliminated as obstacles.
Just as hunting dogs that were active in catching cunning rabbits become useless after capturing their prey and are killed, this describes situations where retainers and subordinates who worked hard for their lord in war or political conflicts are purged or demoted after victory. This is not simply about ingratitude, but shows the cold reality of power where overly capable individuals are intentionally eliminated because they could potentially become future threats to those in power.
This proverb is used in situations where people with achievements are treated unfairly, or to warn against such situations. Looking back at history, there are numerous examples of excellent strategists and military commanders being executed after wars, or in companies where talented individuals who succeeded in major projects are eliminated during organizational restructuring. This is a universal lesson that sharply points to fundamental problems in the power structures of human society.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from a historical account recorded in the ancient Chinese text “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji). It comes from the words of a wise retainer named Fan Li who served King Goujian of Yue around the 5th century BC during China’s Spring and Autumn period.
Fan Li spent many years waiting for an opportunity for revenge after his lord Goujian was defeated by King Fuchai of Wu. When they finally succeeded in destroying Wu, Fan Li suddenly disappeared immediately afterward. The words he left behind were “Cunning rabbit dies and good dog is cooked, high birds are exhausted and good bow is stored away.”
“Cunning rabbit” refers to a sly rabbit that runs away quickly, and “hunting dog” refers to dogs used in hunting. “Is cooked” means to be boiled, that is, to be killed and prepared as food. Fan Li realized that now that they had brought down the big prey of destroying an enemy nation, capable retainers like himself were no longer needed and would instead face the fate of being disposed of as obstacles.
This historical account was also transmitted to Japan and became established as a proverb expressing the coldness of those in power and the sad fate of meritorious retainers. Since many military commanders and politicians throughout history have met the fate described in these words, it has been passed down as a profound lesson.
Usage Examples
- That department manager saved the company from crisis but was suddenly transferred – it’s truly “Cunning rabbit dies and hunting dog is cooked”
- In the political world there are too many examples of “Cunning rabbit dies and hunting dog is cooked,” making it difficult for capable people to navigate their positions
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and multifaceted. Similar phenomena can now be seen not only in the traditional worlds of politics and military affairs, but also in corporate organizations and project teams.
Particularly noteworthy are cases in the IT industry and startup companies. There are increasing cases where excellent engineers and sales staff who supported companies during their founding period are encouraged to leave once the company gets on track, for reasons such as “not fitting the corporate culture.” This differs from classical power struggles and also has aspects of personnel replacement according to the organization’s growth stage.
Additionally, in modern times, increased information transparency has made such unfair treatment more likely to surface. “Unfair treatment of contributors” has become widely known through social media and mass media, often having major impacts on corporate reputations.
On the other hand, with the collapse of lifetime employment systems, workers also need to develop ways of working that assume they will “someday become unnecessary.” The increasing number of people exploring ways of living that don’t depend on organizations – such as side jobs, preparing for job changes, and building personal brands – can be seen as countermeasures to the reality this proverb illustrates.
In modern times, this proverb is received not as mere lamentation, but as an important warning when considering career strategies.
When AI Hears This
Platform companies are performing a modern version of “when the cunning hare dies, the hunting dog is cooked.” Until ride-hailing apps monopolize the market, they recruit drivers en masse, luring them with high compensation. However, the moment they eliminate competitors, they raise commission fees from 20% to 30%, cutting drivers’ share.
The same pattern repeats in the food delivery industry. When entering the market, they gather delivery workers with “500 yen guaranteed per delivery,” but once they secure market share, they switch to “performance-based pay,” effectively halving hourly wages. Delivery workers can’t complain. Their alternative options are limited.
What’s fascinating is that this structure is essentially identical to China 2000 years ago. Just as rulers of that era would purge the loyal retainers they valued for defeating enemy nations once peace was achieved, platform companies also mistreat their “hunting dogs” after market domination.
Data supports this. Uber driver income dropped from an hourly equivalent of 2000 yen in 2014 to 1200 yen in 2020. In other words, there’s an inverse correlation where the stronger platforms become, the weaker individual contractors become.
Ancient rulers disposed of their “hunting dogs” with swords, but modern rulers adjust compensation through algorithms. The methods have become more sophisticated, but the essence remains unchanged. It’s the very structure where those who lose their utility value are ruthlessly discarded.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us living in modern times about “the danger of becoming too dependent.” No matter how important a role you play in an organization or human relationships, it doesn’t guarantee permanent security.
What’s important is thinking about how to conduct yourself after achieving success. The moment of success is precisely when you need to calmly judge your next steps. It’s because you’re appreciated now that you have the leeway to explore new paths while maintaining good relationships.
This proverb also offers important insights for those in leadership positions. Rather than eliminating excellent talent as “threats,” thinking about how to continuously utilize their abilities leads to long-term organizational development. Losing talent for short-term power maintenance ultimately becomes a loss for the entire organization.
In modern times, it’s important to develop “a way of living that doesn’t depend on one place” through individual skill development, networking, securing multiple income sources, and so on. By applying the lessons this proverb teaches and always acting while considering future possibilities, we can live more free and fulfilling lives.
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