How to Read “無理が通れば道理引っ込む”
Muri ga tooreba doori hikkomu
Meaning of “無理が通れば道理引っ込む”
This proverb means that when unreasonable and illogical things are forced through by power, the correct path and reasoning become unable to prevail.
It is used to lament situations in society and organizations where, although things should originally be decided based on legitimacy and rationality, unreasonable things end up prevailing due to power, pressure, or loud voices. This expression contains a critical perspective toward such absurd realities.
It is used in situations such as when a boss’s tyrannical decisions are accepted in the workplace, when illogical policies are forcibly implemented in the political world, or when unreasonable rules are imposed in daily life. It is characterized as an expression that includes not just a description of the situation, but also a value judgment that “this is not how things should be.”
Even in modern times, there are many situations in organizational management and human relationships where power dynamics take precedence over sound arguments. This proverb continues to be understood and used by many people as words that accurately express such unreasonable situations.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “If unreasonableness passes through, reason withdraws,” while clear documentary evidence is not certain, it is recorded as a proverb that was already being used among common people during the Edo period.
Looking at the structure of this expression, we can see that the contrasting concepts of “unreasonableness” and “reason” are cleverly arranged. “Unreasonableness” means something illogical, while “reason” means the correct path, and these two are inherently contradictory. However, in real society, sometimes “unreasonableness” can “pass through” due to force or power, resulting in the ironic situation where the supposedly correct “reason” “withdraws.”
The contrast between the verbs “passes through” and “withdraws” is also masterful, expressing a seesaw-like relationship, as if on a stage where when one steps forward, the other steps back. From this linguistic structure, it is likely that common people condensed the power relationships and social absurdities they witnessed daily into a concise and memorable form.
In the class-based society of the Edo period, there were many opportunities to witness unreasonable exercises of power, and such social conditions likely provided the background for creating and establishing this proverb.
Usage Examples
- That company apparently has a workplace where the president’s one-man management creates a situation where if unreasonableness passes through, reason withdraws
- Looking at recent politics, I’m reminded of the saying “if unreasonableness passes through, reason withdraws”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb is showing new expansions of meaning. Particularly in the age of social media and the internet, phenomena frequently occur where opinions of loud or influential people are widely accepted even when they are not necessarily correct.
In corporate society, cases where emotional decisions by upper management take precedence over rational judgments based on data are endless. Also, while compliance is emphasized, it is not uncommon for organizational logic and interests to actually push aside sound arguments.
In the political world as well, scenes where the force of numbers and political pressure decide matters rather than democratic processes are prominent. In international relations too, there is the reality that the logic of powerful nations backed by military or economic power prevails over international law and humanitarian considerations.
However, in modern times, citizens’ watchful eyes have become stricter regarding the situations this proverb indicates. Through media and social media, injustices and unreasonableness are quickly spread and often face social criticism.
In the modern era where transparency and accountability are demanded, it could be said that situations where “if unreasonableness passes through, reason withdraws” have become harder to surface than before. Nevertheless, as long as we live in human society, they will never completely disappear and continue to exist as phenomena we must constantly guard against.
When AI Hears This
In biological immune systems, “immune surveillance” constantly works to detect and eliminate abnormal cells. However, cancer cells possess sophisticated mechanisms to evade this surveillance. They send false signals to immune cells saying “I am normal” or secrete substances that suppress immunity.
The same thing happens in society. “Unreasonableness” initially appears as small exceptions. For example, bending rules with the justification “just this once, as a special case.” This resembles how cancer cells are initially few in number and inconspicuous.
What’s interesting is the pattern of immune system dysfunction. When immunity weakens due to chronic stress or malnutrition, it becomes unable to stop the proliferation of abnormal cells. Similarly in society, during economic crises or chaotic situations, “unreasonableness” that would normally be unacceptable becomes more likely to pass through under the justification “it can’t be helped because it’s an emergency.”
Even more frightening is the phenomenon called “immune tolerance.” The immune system sometimes misrecognizes abnormal cells as “normal.” In society too, when unreasonableness continues for extended periods, it becomes the norm. People’s sensibilities become numb, and they forget what is truly reasonable.
In other words, this proverb demonstrates the importance of society’s “immune strength.” Maintaining “immune cells” of healthy critical thinking and sense of justice is essential for society’s health.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches us something important as we live in modern times. That is, while accepting the reality that what is right does not necessarily always prevail, we must not give up on reason.
When facing unreasonable situations, there are things we can do. First, we should cultivate the ability to calmly discern what is truly right. Let us develop the power to judge based on facts and logic without being misled by loudness of voice or power.
And do not forget that even if one person’s voice is small, it can become a great force by uniting with people who share the same feelings. In modern times, we can find companions to stand against unreasonableness through social media and communities.
Most importantly, do not resign ourselves to accepting situations where “unreasonableness passes through” as normal. Starting with small things, speak out about what you believe is right and put it into action. Such individual accumulations will eventually create a society where “reason passes through.”
This proverb is both a warning bell and an encouragement to us. While knowing the harshness of reality, let us continue walking toward a better society.
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