How to Read “満つれば虧く”
Mitsureba kaku
Meaning of “満つれば虧く”
“When full then wanes” is a proverb that expresses the natural law that when things reach their peak, they inevitably turn toward decline or decrease.
This is not merely a pessimistic prediction, but shows that changes in the world follow certain cycles. Just as the moon inevitably wanes after becoming full, it expresses the universal truth that after life and social events reach their peak, a period of decline follows. This proverb is used to admonish people to remain humble during good times and not neglect preparation for the future. It is also used to comfort people in adversity, showing hope that the current difficult situation will eventually change. As a lesson teaching the importance of companies and individuals at the height of success preparing for the next change without becoming complacent, it continues to hold important meaning even today.
Origin and Etymology
“When full then wanes” is a proverb that originates from ancient Chinese thought. It is believed to be based particularly on the expression “when full then wanes” found in Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching.” Laozi taught the natural principle that “when things reach a state of fullness, they inevitably begin to wane,” and this was transmitted to Japan where it took root.
The character “虧” (wane) is not commonly seen in modern times, but it is an ancient expression meaning “to lack” or “to decrease.” It was also used when describing the waxing and waning of the moon, making it an appropriate word to express the appearance of the full moon waning toward the new moon.
The influence of Buddhist thought also lies behind this proverb’s spread in Japan. It shares something with the fundamental Buddhist teaching of “all things are impermanent,” and the worldview that all things continue to change was deeply rooted in the Japanese heart. Since it can also be found scattered throughout Edo period literature, it is thought to have become established as a common proverb by this time.
It is also deeply related to the concept of “extreme prosperity must decline” in Chinese yin-yang thought, and can be said to be a proverb expressing the cyclical worldview common to all Eastern philosophy.
Interesting Facts
The character “虧” is commonly used in modern Chinese in the compound “虧損 (kuisun)” meaning “loss” or “deficit.” While it’s a character only seen in classical texts in Japan, it is still used daily in China.
Similar expressions to this proverb exist around the world, such as the English “What goes up must come down” and the Latin “Sic transit gloria mundi (Thus passes the glory of the world),” which also express the same kind of cyclical worldview.
Usage Examples
- The company’s performance is excellent, but since when full then wanes, we must not let our guard down.
- His popularity too follows when full then wanes, and it seems like signs of decline are starting to show.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the teaching of “When full then wanes” has come to hold more urgent meaning. Particularly in the business world, the speed of technological innovation has accelerated, and it’s not uncommon for companies that were industry leaders until yesterday to become obsolete overnight.
With the spread of social media, individual popularity and reputation have also come to fluctuate greatly in short periods. In the world of influencers and YouTubers, rises and falls that truly embody “When full then wanes” occur on a daily basis. There are many examples of losing positions built up through a single controversy, and it can be said we live in an era where humility is required especially at one’s peak.
In the economic field as well, recessions that inevitably follow good economic times, such as the collapse of bubble economies and the Lehman Shock, prove the correctness of this proverb. The rapid rise and crash of cryptocurrencies and stock market volatility can also be said to be modern examples of “When full then wanes.”
On the other hand, the new value of “sustainability” has also emerged in modern times. The way of thinking that seeks not infinite growth but aims for stable development from a long-term perspective shares something with the teaching of this proverb. Efforts toward environmental issues can also be said to be modern wisdom that recognizes the finite nature of Earth’s resources and applies the lesson of “When full then wanes.”
When AI Hears This
Modern corporations and nations take perpetual growth for granted, demanding “increase sales every year” and “boost GDP.” However, this mindset actually runs directly counter to fundamental laws of physics.
According to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy (disorder) in all systems in the universe ultimately increases, moving toward equilibrium. In other words, nothing can continue growing forever. Trees in forests stop growing at a certain height, and animal populations hit their ceiling at the limits of environmental carrying capacity.
Indeed, ecologist Donella Meadows and her colleagues’ research “The Limits to Growth” mathematically proved that exponential growth on a finite planet inevitably leads to collapse through resource depletion and environmental destruction.
“When full, it wanes” represents the remarkable insight of Eastern philosophy that intuitively grasped this scientific truth thousands of years ago. While the West embraced a “more and faster” mentality, the East valued the natural principle that “decline inevitably begins once the peak is reached.”
Modern economists have only recently begun discussing “sustainable development” and “degrowth,” but ancient sages had already seen through the limitations of growth supremacism. This proverb urges a return to the wisdom of “knowing when enough is enough” that modern civilization has lost sight of.
Lessons for Today
What “When full then wanes” teaches modern people is that we must not forget humility especially in moments of success. When you get lots of “likes” on social media, when you achieve great results at work, when your relationships are going smoothly – these are the times to remember these words.
What’s important is not to interpret this teaching pessimistically, but to use it as mental preparation for change. By investing in further learning during good times, cherishing connections with people, and not neglecting health management, you can build up the strength to overcome even when a period of decline comes.
Also, for people currently in difficult times, these are also words of hope. No matter how difficult the situation, it won’t continue forever, and a time of change will surely come. Learning the flexibility to accept life’s waves and live authentically within them may be the most important wisdom for those of us living in modern times.
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