How to Read “丸い卵も切りようで四角”
Marui tamago mo kiriyo de shikaku
Meaning of “丸い卵も切りようで四角”
This proverb means that things can have completely different results depending on how they are handled, viewed, or approached.
Just as round eggs can be made into square shapes by devising how to cut them, this teaches us that even with the same materials or conditions, completely different results can be achieved through different approaches, techniques, and ingenuity. This is a profound lesson that applies not only to physical shape changes, but to all situations including human relationships, work methods, and problem-solving approaches.
This proverb is used when facing difficult situations or tackling seemingly impossible challenges. When one is about to give up thinking “it’s impossible” or “it can’t be done,” saying “Round eggs also depending on cutting method become square” conveys the importance of alternative approaches and new perspectives. Even today, it is frequently used when explaining the importance of creative ingenuity and the need for flexible thinking, and is particularly cherished in business settings and educational environments as an expression that conveys the importance of thinking unconstrained by fixed ideas.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged from the wisdom of common people during the Edo period. People of that time likely expressed the importance of perspective and handling through eggs, a familiar food ingredient in daily life.
While eggs are indeed round in shape, when actually cooking, they can be transformed into various shapes depending on how they are cut and prepared. If you make thin scrambled eggs and cut them into squares, they literally become “square eggs.” From this familiar experience, a deep lesson was embedded about how things can have completely different results depending on how they are viewed and handled.
The Edo period was an era when commerce flourished and various craftsmen and merchants competed with their skills. People witnessed daily how the same materials could become completely different valuable products through craftsmen’s techniques and ingenuity. Against this historical background, it is presumed that a proverb expressing the universal truth that “results change depending on how things are handled” using the most familiar ingredient, eggs, became established. The sound of the words was easy to remember and easy to connect with actual experience, so it likely became widely used among common people.
Usage Examples
- The new product planning has hit a dead end, but since round eggs also depending on cutting method become square, let’s try thinking about it from a completely different angle.
- I’m worried about my son’s career path, but since round eggs also depending on cutting method become square, I decided to first listen carefully to his feelings.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become even more important. This is because in our information society, the same information can give completely different impressions depending on how it is conveyed or presented. The “cutting method,” or approach, increasingly determines success in areas such as social media communication methods, presentation techniques, and marketing strategies.
Particularly noteworthy is how the development of AI technology has made it possible to create completely different value from the same data depending on analysis methods and utilization approaches. This can truly be called the modern version of “Round eggs also depending on cutting method become square.”
On the other hand, modern times have become an era where “diversity” and “individuality” are valued, and rather than seeking one correct answer, a trend has emerged of recognizing that various “cutting methods” exist. There are active movements to explore new approaches beyond conventional fixed frameworks, such as work style reform, educational reform, and lifestyle diversification.
However, in modern times, information overload can make it feel like there are infinite choices for “cutting methods,” which can actually create confusion. Modern people may need to more consciously utilize the positive message this proverb teaches: “possibilities expand through ingenuity.”
When AI Hears This
“A round egg can be made square depending on how you cut it” is a remarkable proverb that captured the core principles of modern digital image processing technology over 300 years ago.
All digital images are composed of numerical data of 0s and 1s, which can be compared to an egg as the same fundamental material. When editing photos in Photoshop, the original image data remains unchanged, yet filters and transformation tools create completely different impressions. This is precisely the transformation through “how you cut it.”
Particularly fascinating is the similarity to AI image generation technology. AI systems like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney can produce infinite expressions from photorealistic styles to anime and oil painting effects from the same prompt, simply by adjusting parameters. This mirrors the concept of cutting an egg into thin slices, cubes, or julienne strips in various ways.
Furthermore, modern “real-time image conversion” technology can transform camera footage into different styles instantaneously during recording. This represents the ultimate realization of this proverb – where a round egg becomes square in an instant. It’s truly amazing that what Edo period people expressed as culinary wisdom so perfectly captures the essence of creativity in the digital age, demonstrating the profound insight of our ancestors.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of a never-give-up spirit and creative thinking. We face various difficulties and constraints daily, but it is precisely in such times that changing our “cutting method” can open new paths.
What’s important is not being fixated on one approach, but having flexible thinking. When stuck at work, troubled by relationships, or when realizing dreams seems difficult, first try changing your perspective. Even in the same situation, changing your approach can sometimes reveal unexpected solutions.
This proverb also relates to understanding others. By recognizing that each person has different “cutting methods,” we can accept diversity and build cooperative relationships.
In modern society, the pace of change is fast, and there are increasing situations where conventional methods don’t work. However, this is also a chance to challenge new possibilities. Trust in your creativity and fearlessly try new “cutting methods.” Surely wonderful results you never imagined are waiting for you.
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