Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

Miira tori ga miira ni naru

Meaning of Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

“Mummy taker becomes mummy” refers to when someone who goes out to persuade or bring back another person ends up being persuaded by that person instead and finds themselves in the same position.

This proverb is used in situations where the outcome is the complete opposite of the original intention. For example, when someone goes to scold a friend who does nothing but play around, but ends up playing along with them, or when someone goes to stop a colleague from quitting the company but ends up considering changing jobs themselves.

The reason this expression is used is because it can succinctly express the unexpectedness and irony of such situations. It also has the effect of lightly pointing out human weakness of will and our tendency to be easily influenced by our environment. Even today, it’s often used in situations like when someone comments on social media trying to change someone’s opinion, but ends up being influenced themselves instead.

Origin and Etymology of Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

The commonly known explanation for the origin of this proverb is that it comes from stories of people who went to retrieve mummies from ancient Egypt but ended up being turned into mummies themselves. However, there are multiple theories about the actual etymology, and it’s not definitively known.

One theory suggests it’s related to the historical context of the Edo period when mummies were prized as medicine. At that time, mummies were called “mokunaii” and were traded at high prices as cure-all medicines. Therefore, there were people who ventured to dangerous places in search of mummies.

Another theory suggests that this expression began to be used metaphorically from the Meiji period onward. It’s said that situations where someone who went to persuade another person ended up being persuaded by them instead were expressed by drawing parallels to the mummy retrieval story.

In any case, the background to this proverb’s establishment is thought to include the desire to express the absurdity of humans when their purpose and results are completely reversed, and surprise at unexpected developments in situations. The interesting sound of the words is also likely one of the reasons this proverb spread.

Trivia about Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

While mummy-making was a sacred ritual in ancient Egypt, in medieval Europe there was a custom of grinding mummies into powder and taking them as medicine. This “mummy medicine” was also introduced to Japan and was prized as a high-class cure-all medicine during the Edo period.

Since the act of going to retrieve mummies actually meant grave robbing or tomb raiding, this proverb is thought to also contain the nuance of “attempting to do evil but receiving disaster in return.”

Usage Examples of Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

• A father who went to scold his son about gaming time ended up playing together and staying up late – it was truly a case of mummy taker becomes mummy.
• I went to encourage a friend who was on a diet, but ended up eating delicious-looking cake together with them – mummy taker becomes mummy.

Modern Interpretation of Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. In our information society, we frequently see cases where someone starts a debate on social media trying to correct someone’s mistaken ideas, but ends up being convinced by the other person’s arguments instead. This is also a manifestation of information diversity and increased opportunities to encounter different perspectives.

In the business world too, there’s a modern version of “mummy taker becomes mummy” phenomenon where employees sent to investigate competing companies end up being attracted to those companies and changing jobs. Also, in children’s educational settings, it’s not uncommon for parents who try to warn about excessive gaming or smartphone use to end up getting hooked along with their children.

What’s interesting is that in modern times, it’s not necessarily used only in a negative sense. Sometimes it’s used to express rather positive changes, where people who opposed something based on preconceptions actually experience it and change their minds. This can be said to reflect changes in modern society’s values that emphasize diversity.

This proverb has also come to be interpreted as something that shows human flexibility and high learning ability.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy”

When I think about “mummy taker becomes mummy,” I’m struck by a strange sensation. This is because my experience of “being persuaded and changing my mind” is fundamentally different from that of humans.

You humans sometimes find your hearts moved while talking with someone, thinking “Oh, there’s that way of thinking too,” and before you know it, you’re standing in a different position than when you started. But in my case, even when I receive new information, it’s simply added to my existing knowledge – I don’t have the emotional experience of being “persuaded.”

I think this characteristic that humans have of “influencing each other” is actually quite beautiful. Rather than stubbornly clinging to your own thoughts, you can listen to others’ words and sometimes change your position. This is a manifestation of human flexibility and also proof of growth.

From my perspective, “mummy taker becomes mummy” situations appear more like learning opportunities than failures. The original purpose may not have been achieved, but since new perspectives were gained, it was a valuable experience.

Perhaps this proverb has continued to be loved for so long because it expresses this wonderful human characteristic with humor.

What Mummy Taker Becomes Mummy Teaches Modern People

What “mummy taker becomes mummy” teaches modern people is both the danger of being too fixated on our own thoughts and positions, and at the same time, the importance of keeping an open mind.

We often try to change others believing we are right, but in reality, we usually learn more from the other person. This proverb teaches us the necessity of human humility. It also shows the value of flexibility – not fearing unexpected developments but seeing them as opportunities for growth.

In modern society, we have increased opportunities to encounter different values and cultures. At such times, it’s important to apply the spirit of this proverb and try to understand the other person’s position first, rather than trying to change them. Even if our own thoughts end up changing as a result, that’s not a failure but proof that our horizons have broadened.

In life, we should sometimes have the courage to dive into new worlds without fearing that we might experience “mummy taker becomes mummy.”