How to Read “負けるが勝ち”
Makeru ga kachi
Meaning of “負けるが勝ち”
“Losing is winning” means that by temporarily accepting defeat or making concessions, one can ultimately achieve greater victory or benefit.
This phrase represents the wisdom of not being obsessed with small, immediate victories, but instead judging things from a long-term perspective. By stepping back and avoiding conflict with others, one can avoid unnecessary exhaustion and ultimately achieve a better situation. It can be applied in various scenarios, such as avoiding trouble in human relationships, business negotiations, and family disagreements.
The reason for using this expression is that humans have a psychological tendency to be obsessed with “winning and losing.” However, it’s a phrase that gives us an opportunity to reconsider what true victory really means. Even today, it holds important meaning as wisdom for avoiding meaningless conflicts, such as arguments on social media or workplace disputes.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Losing is winning” is thought to trace back to ancient Chinese military philosophy. In particular, Laozi’s philosophy of “wu wei” (non-action) and the concept of “winning without fighting” found in Sun Tzu’s Art of War are likely at the foundation of this phrase.
In Japan, such thinking spread among the samurai from the Heian to Kamakura periods. However, interestingly, this proverb is said to have become commonly used within the merchant culture of the Edo period. Merchants knew from experience that sometimes making concessions to others could lead to greater long-term profits.
The Buddhist teaching of “patience” (ninniku) is also in the background of this phrase. It’s the idea of accepting temporary humiliation or loss to achieve greater spiritual victory.
Similar teachings can be found in many books that explained merchant ethics during the Edo period. Like the saying “Commerce is like the pace of an ox,” it became established among common people as wisdom to think about profit with a long-term view, without rushing or fighting.
Usage Examples
- Today I had a disagreement with the department manager, but it seems better to stay quiet – losing is winning
- Regarding the boundary line issue with our neighbor, I decided to make some concessions – losing is winning
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Losing is winning” has taken on more complex and multifaceted meanings. With the spread of social media, we see cases where minor differences of opinion develop into major controversies on a daily basis. In such situations, the wisdom of this old proverb becomes particularly important.
In the business world, this way of thinking is also valued in building “Win-Win” relationships and establishing long-term partnerships. As globalization progresses and collaboration with people of different cultures and values becomes necessary, being modest about one’s own assertions often leads to greater success.
However, in modern times, there are cases where this phrase is misunderstood as “enduring” or “giving up.” Originally a phrase expressing strategic judgment, it’s sometimes used as an excuse for mere passivity.
In our information society, short-term results are immediately visible, making it more difficult to maintain a long-term perspective. That’s precisely why the “long-term perspective” that this ancient wisdom holds serves as valuable guidance for modern people.
When AI Hears This
In game theory’s “Prisoner’s Dilemma” experiments, the most successful strategy was “Tit for Tat.” This follows a simple rule: cooperate first, then if your opponent betrays you, betray them back the next round. What’s fascinating is the “cooperate first” element—cooperation means choosing the option where you lose out in the short term.
In mathematician Robert Axelrod’s experiments, this strategy scored higher in the long run than any other complex strategy. Why? Because by initially “losing” (cooperating), you send a signal to your opponent that “this person can be trusted,” creating a positive cycle of mutual cooperation.
We see the same phenomenon in real business. Companies that temporarily cut their profits in price wars to make concessions to customers end up gaining customer trust, securing long-term contracts and new customers through word-of-mouth, ultimately achieving greater profits.
The essence of “losing is winning” lies in strategic thinking—giving up short-term gains to draw out cooperation from others and secure larger long-term benefits. This isn’t emotional reasoning, but a mathematically optimized rational decision. We could say that ancient Japanese people intuitively understood a truth that modern game theory has now proven.
Lessons for Today
What “Losing is winning” teaches modern people is what true strength really is. The courage not to participate in inflammatory social media debates, the judgment to temporarily comply with an unreasonable boss at work, the decision to apologize first in trivial family arguments. These are all strategic strength, not weakness.
In modern society, we tend to seek immediate results, but this proverb teaches us the importance of “the power to wait.” Even if you lose today, great victory might await next month or next year. In human relationships too, building long-term trust by respecting others is far more valuable than defeating them in a single argument.
You too probably get tired from obsessing over small wins and losses in daily life. At such times, remember this ancient wisdom. Taking a step back is not running away. It’s a wise choice to move forward toward greater happiness. Don’t be afraid to lose sometimes, and take a long-term view of your life.
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