How to Read “名馬に癖あり”
Meiba ni kuse ari
Meaning of “名馬に癖あり”
“Famous horse has quirk” means that people with outstanding talent or abilities almost invariably have some kind of quirks or unusual aspects.
This is by no means a critical meaning. Rather, it teaches the importance of understanding and accepting the individuality and uniqueness of people with exceptional abilities. The idea is that it’s natural for genius artists to be known for eccentric behavior, or for excellent craftsmen to be stubborn and inflexible, as these traits are the flip side of their abilities.
This proverb is used when facing the difficult aspects of talented people. In situations where “that person is certainly excellent, but a bit strange,” it’s used to show understanding by saying “Famous horse has quirk, after all,” rather than rejecting that person.
Even today, this expression lives on when understanding the individualistic aspects of people who demonstrate outstanding abilities in specific fields, such as athletes, researchers, and artists. It teaches us that in order to make the most of excellent human resources, we need the magnanimity to accept their quirks as well.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Famous horse has quirk” is closely tied to Japan’s history, where horses have been deeply involved in human life since ancient times.
The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the importance of horses in warrior society from the Heian period to the Warring States period. At that time, excellent horses were crucial beings that could mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. Military commanders sought famous horses and were well versed in their abilities.
What’s interesting is the fact that the more excellent a horse was, the more it actually had unique personality and behavioral patterns. Horses called famous horses had characteristics different from ordinary horses, such as fierce temperaments or only showing their true abilities under specific conditions. For example, many horses were invincible on the battlefield but were difficult to handle in daily life, or would only bond with specific people.
From such real experiences came the observation that “those with excellent abilities almost invariably have some kind of quirks or unusual aspects.” This insight cultivated in the world of horses eventually came to be applied to human society as well.
This proverb also appears in Edo period literature, suggesting that it had become widely used not only among samurai but also among common people.
Interesting Facts
In the world of horses, it’s said that excellent racehorses tend to have more intense temperaments. This is a manifestation of their strong attachment to competition and fighting instinct, which can be said to truly embody “Famous horse has quirk.”
Edo period equestrian books contain descriptions stating “choose horses with distinctive personalities” as a way to identify famous horses. There was actually a way of thinking that horses with somewhat quirky but strong temperaments would demonstrate their power when it mattered, rather than horses that were too docile.
Usage Examples
- The new department manager is capable at work, but he suddenly stands up and walks around during meetings – it’s truly “Famous horse has quirk”
- That painter’s works are wonderful, but not keeping deadlines at all is perhaps “Famous horse has quirk”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Famous horse has quirk” is deeply connected to the values of an era that emphasizes diversity. Individualistic people who were once shunned as “oddballs” are now recognized as valuable assets to companies and organizations.
This tendency is particularly pronounced in the IT industry. Among programmers and engineers, there are many talented individuals who are poor at communication but have outstanding technical skills. Traditional Japanese companies sometimes couldn’t fully utilize such talent due to their emphasis on cooperation, but currently, efforts are progressing to create environments that accept these people, including their “quirks.”
On the other hand, with the development of SNS and media, the private lives and individualistic aspects of celebrities and experts have become more visible than before. While this has deepened understanding of “Famous horse has quirk” in some ways, it has also created a tendency for excessive attention to focus on individuals’ quirks.
Also, the way we perceive “quirks” has changed in modern times. As understanding of developmental disorders has progressed, there are increasing cases where what was once considered merely “strange quirks” has been found to be behavioral patterns due to brain characteristics. This proverb also functions as words that promote understanding of people with such diverse characteristics.
When AI Hears This
Modern perfectionism actually creates a system that cannot find “fine horses.”
According to psychological research, highly creative people possess a trait called “cognitive disinhibition.” This is a “flaw” that causes them to absorb information that ordinary people would ignore. However, this seemingly disruptive trait is precisely what becomes the source of innovative ideas. In other words, a genius’s “quirks” are not mere byproducts, but an essential part of their excellence.
For example, there’s the “perfect resume syndrome” that became a topic in Google’s hiring process. Candidates who molded themselves to fit the ideal image companies seek certainly have no flaws. However, they simultaneously lose their outstanding individuality. As a result, only “ordinary horses” that are stable but generate no innovation end up gathering.
The same phenomenon occurs on social media. People who hide their unique aspects and only post content that appeals to everyone in order to collect “likes” certainly don’t get into controversies. But they also don’t create memorable, attractive content.
Modern society seeks “fine horses without quirks,” but this is a contradictory demand. Truly valuable people and works inevitably possess some form of “difficulty to handle.” Falling into the trap of perfectionism ends in failure called mediocrity.
Lessons for Today
“Famous horse has quirk” teaches us that there are no perfect humans, and that individuality and ability are two sides of the same coin.
We tend to demand perfection from excellent people. However, this proverb teaches us that “even outstanding people necessarily have quirks.” What’s important is not criticizing those quirks as flaws, but understanding them as part of that person’s abilities.
When you face the difficult aspects of talented people in the workplace or at home, try remembering this proverb. Rather than trying to change the other person, think about ways to make use of their individuality. Such a shift in perspective becomes the key to building better human relationships.
The same applies to yourself. There’s no need to be ashamed of your own quirks or unusual aspects. They may be deeply connected to your talents and individuality.
Precisely because we live in a modern era that values diversity, the teachings of this proverb shine even brighter. We want to build relationships where we can acknowledge each other’s differences and bring out each other’s good qualities.
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