How to Read “When the nation is in chaos, loyal retainers appear”
Kuni midarete chūshin arawaru
Meaning of “When the nation is in chaos, loyal retainers appear”
This proverb means that true loyal retainers emerge when the nation is in turmoil. During peaceful and stable times, anyone can speak of loyalty and behave admirably.
But when the nation truly faces crisis, most people prioritize protecting themselves. In such difficult situations, genuine loyal retainers stand out because they dedicate themselves to their country or lord, risking their lives beyond personal gain or loss.
This proverb expresses how people’s true worth is tested in critical situations. It’s used when the true nature of individuals becomes clear during hard times, qualities that weren’t visible when the organization or society was running smoothly.
It also carries a positive meaning that adversity creates opportunities to discover outstanding talent. Today, it’s sometimes used to describe situations where true leaders emerge during corporate crises or periods of social upheaval.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is believed to originate from Chinese classics. Historical texts like “Han Feizi” and “Records of the Grand Historian” contain numerous accounts of true loyal retainers who distinguished themselves during chaotic times.
These historical facts are considered the background of this saying.
During peaceful times, people’s true nature remains hidden. Anyone can speak of loyalty and behave admirably. But when the nation falls into chaos and those in power are about to fall, many flee to protect themselves.
Those who risk their lives to serve their lord or country in such circumstances are the true loyal retainers.
In Japan, many individuals embodied the meaning of these words during turbulent periods like the Warring States period and the end of the shogunate. Through such historical experiences, this proverb became deeply engraved in the Japanese heart.
The structure of the phrase itself is fascinating. The contrast between “in chaos” and “appear” beautifully expresses the paradoxical truth that positive existence emerges from negative situations.
This short phrase captures the depth of human observation that true value, buried during peaceful times, is revealed for the first time through crisis.
Usage Examples
- When the company faced bankruptcy, it was truly “When the nation is in chaos, loyal retainers appear” as a young employee showed surprisingly devoted work
- Seeing him take initiative during the disaster when he was unremarkable in normal times, I thought this is exactly “When the nation is in chaos, loyal retainers appear”
Universal Wisdom
The universal truth this proverb speaks is that human nature is hard to see in stable situations. When things are going smoothly, everyone appears good and capable.
But true human character appears in the choices made when facing difficulties.
Why do loyal retainers appear in chaotic times? Because crisis forces people to make ultimate choices. Do they protect their own interests, or dedicate themselves to a greater cause?
In this moment of binary choice, a person’s values, beliefs, and the essence of their way of life are revealed. Noble spirits hidden during peaceful times shine for the first time through the trial of chaos.
This proverb also contains a message of hope. No matter how dark the times, someone will always stand up. It expresses the belief that desperate situations awaken the highest qualities sleeping within humans.
When pushed to the limit, people sometimes discover strength and courage they never knew they had.
Thinking more deeply, this proverb also shows the truth that “crisis develops people.” People struggle to grow in comfortable environments.
In the process of confronting difficulties, people exceed their limits and acquire true power. Perhaps chaotic times don’t reveal loyal retainers, but rather forge people into loyal retainers.
When AI Hears This
In peacetime organizations, the cost of demonstrating loyalty is extremely low. Agreeing with your boss, voting yes in meetings, working superficially hard. These are “cheap signals” anyone can imitate.
In information economics, signals that can be easily faked are considered unreliable. In other words, during peacetime, genuine loyal retainers and people who are all talk show the same behavior patterns, making them indistinguishable.
But when national crisis arrives, the situation transforms completely. People face “choices with extremely high costs to pay” like danger to life, loss of property, and stripping of social status.
What’s important here is that for fakes, this cost isn’t worth paying. For example, crew members who share the captain’s fate on a sinking ship never appear for salary alone. Because it doesn’t match the price of life.
In “signaling theory” shown by economist Michael Spence, high-cost actions that only those with true ability can pay become reliable means of information transmission.
The actions of loyal retainers during national crisis create precisely this “separating equilibrium.” Because the situation demands costs so high they cannot be faked, the normally invisible information of inner loyalty becomes visible as action.
Crisis doesn’t discover talent, but makes hidden truth provable.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern you is that people’s true worth appears not during smooth times, but during difficult ones. So ask yourself this question.
If your company, school, or family truly fell into difficult circumstances right now, how would you act?
What’s important isn’t panicking when crisis arrives, but clarifying your values in daily life. What do you value? What do you work for, and who do you live for?
People who have answers to these questions can act without hesitation when the time comes.
This proverb also changes how you see people around you. Even among people who aren’t usually noticeable, there may be those with wonderful qualities.
In difficult situations, you can see people’s true selves. That’s why you shouldn’t judge people only by peacetime evaluations, but need the tolerance to watch who stands up when it matters.
And above all, believe in your own potential to become someone’s “loyal retainer.” Difficult situations are also chances to draw out the strength and kindness sleeping within you.
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