How to Read “骨肉相食む”
Kotsuniku ai hamu
Meaning of “骨肉相食む”
“Flesh and blood mutually devour” means that blood-related family members or relatives engage in fierce conflicts with each other.
This expression describes situations where families, who should originally be united, oppose and hurt each other as if animals were biting each other. It is used when blood relatives have conflicting interests, such as in family property disputes, inheritance issues, or succession battles for family businesses. It particularly emphasizes the seriousness and tragedy of situations where the closest and most trustworthy people—family members—become adversaries, rather than conflicts with outsiders.
This proverb is used not for simple family quarrels, but when serious conflicts arise that are difficult to repair. Once a situation of “flesh and blood mutually devour” occurs, it becomes extremely difficult to restore original family love and bonds, so the saying also carries a warning meaning to avoid such situations. Even today, it is used to describe succession disputes in family-run businesses or conflicts among relatives over inheritance, and is understood as a phrase that makes us reconsider the importance of family bonds.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “flesh and blood mutually devour” traces back to ancient Chinese classical literature. This expression was originally used in Chinese historical records and literary works, created to describe situations where blood relatives fight against each other.
The term “flesh and blood” literally refers to bones and flesh, but as the most basic elements that constitute the human body, it symbolically represents blood-related family members and relatives. In ancient China, there were many expressions that compared family bonds to parts of the body, and “flesh and blood” was one of them.
The “devour” in “mutually devour” differs from the modern word “eat.” In classical language, it was used to mean “bite each other” or “fight against each other.” It became established as an expression for fierce opposition, derived from the image of animals biting and fighting each other.
This expression is believed to have been transmitted to Japan from ancient to medieval times along with knowledge of Chinese literature. In Japan too, it has long been used in contexts warning against conflicts within families or clans. Particularly in warrior society, where disputes over family succession and territory were frequent, the instructional meaning of this proverb was highly valued. It appeared frequently in Edo period literature and became widely known through its connection with Confucian values that emphasized family harmony.
Interesting Facts
The expression “flesh and blood” is actually medically interesting as well. In the human body, bones and flesh (muscles) are closely connected, and neither can function as a body by itself. The fact that this biological unity was chosen as a metaphor to express the inseparable bonds of family demonstrates the keen observational skills of ancient people.
The classical word “devour” in “mutually devour” tends to be understood as “eat” in modern times, but originally it represented the action of “gnawing” or “biting.” Therefore, some people misunderstand this proverb by interpreting it literally as “cannibalism,” but it actually means “biting and fighting each other.”
Usage Examples
- Siblings are engaged in a “flesh and blood mutually devour” dispute over inheritance
- A family clan fell into a “flesh and blood mutually devour” situation over the succession issue of a long-established company
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, situations of “flesh and blood mutually devour” may actually be increasing. This is because the aging of society has intensified family conflicts over elderly care and inheritance. Particularly in modern times where nuclear families have become prevalent, siblings who usually live apart often have their first serious discussions when a parent dies or care issues arise, making differences in values more likely to surface.
In family-run businesses, business succession issues can also cause “flesh and blood mutually devour” disputes. In modern times where traditional eldest son inheritance customs have weakened and meritocracy and egalitarianism are emphasized, complex conflicts over who should be the successor are more likely to arise.
The spread of social media and the internet has also brought new aspects to this problem. Family disputes have become more visible than before, and third-party opinions and information can be easily obtained, tending to make the emotions of those involved more complex.
On the other hand, modern times have also established systems such as family counseling and mediation to avoid or resolve “flesh and blood mutually devour” situations. Not only legal solutions but also pathways to repair family relationships while receiving psychological support are available, so the possibility of salvation can be said to have increased compared to the past.
When AI Hears This
The most devastating damage in social media firestorms doesn’t actually come from criticism by strangers. It comes from attacks by followers and friends—in other words, from “insiders.”
According to research by psychologists, people experience three times the normal psychological shock when betrayed by someone they expected to trust them. For example, there are countless cases where users caught in controversies say, “I was criticized in replies by followers I trusted.” This is precisely the modern version of the “family members devouring each other” dynamic.
Particularly fascinating is social media’s “visualization effect.” Criticism that would have been whispered behind closed doors in the past is now openly made visible through replies and retweets. In other words, betrayal by insiders now happens under public scrutiny. This creates a cruelty unimaginable in traditional human relationships.
Even more striking is the speed of the “chain reaction.” When one insider begins criticizing, other followers quickly follow suit. What psychology calls “conformity pressure” can be completed within hours in digital space.
This is why this proverb is drawing renewed attention today. While social media deepens human relationships, it simultaneously serves as a device that exposes the fragility of those bonds. The deeper the trust relationship, the more immeasurable the shock when it breaks down.
Lessons for Today
The proverb “flesh and blood mutually devour” teaches us living in modern times both the importance and fragility of family relationships. We must first understand that good relationships are not automatically maintained just because of blood connections.
Precisely because we are family, it is important to interact without forgetting feelings of mutual care. Let’s develop habits of expressing gratitude regularly and thinking about things from the other person’s perspective. Especially in discussions involving money or property, it’s important to create an environment where we can discuss calmly without becoming emotional.
Also, we need the courage to seek help from third parties before problems become serious. Rather than trying to solve everything within the family alone, consulting with specialists or trustworthy people can help avoid “flesh and blood mutually devour” situations. Above all, we should keep in mind that family relationships are difficult to repair once broken, and cherish our daily interactions. Family bonds are not something that exists as a matter of course, but are precious assets nurtured through mutual effort.
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