How to Read “長い物には巻かれろ”
nagaimononiwamakarerou
Meaning of “長い物には巻かれろ”
“To long things be wrapped” is a proverb that represents a life strategy of not opposing those with strong power or authority, but rather protecting oneself by following that power.
This proverb is used when confronting opponents or organizations that possess far greater power than oneself. It demonstrates the way of thinking that in situations where there is no chance of winning in a direct confrontation, rather than engaging in futile resistance, recognizing and following the opponent’s power can ultimately protect oneself.
Even in modern times, this wisdom applies to various situations, such as relationships with superiors in the workplace or an individual’s position regarding large organizational policies. However, this does not simply mean submission or giving up. It is a strategic choice to obtain better results by calmly assessing the situation and avoiding pointless conflicts. Sometimes taking a step back can be the most advantageous path for oneself in the long term.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “To long things be wrapped,” multiple theories exist, but the most credible is that it arose from situations of being wrapped by long ropes or cords.
The “long things” in this expression are thought to originally refer to physical objects like long ropes or cloth. When a person becomes wrapped in a long rope, the more they resist, the tighter the rope becomes, making them suffer even more. However, if they calmly surrender themselves to it, they can wait for the time of eventual release without feeling much pain.
Since this expression can be found in Edo period literature, it is presumed to be a proverb that has been used for at least several hundred years. The society of that time had a strict class system with clear hierarchical relationships. In such social circumstances, this saying likely spread as a life strategy for dealing with those in power or strong positions.
Another theory suggests it originated from methods of dealing with being coiled by long creatures like large snakes. In any case, it is a proverb that developed from the physical situation of being “wrapped” into wisdom about social power relationships.
Usage Examples
- I was opposed to the new department’s policy, but I decided to comply obediently with the spirit of “To long things be wrapped”
- There’s no chance of winning against that company, so let’s go with the spirit of “To long things be wrapped”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “To long things be wrapped” has become a proverb with complex interpretations. In an era where globalization and the spread of social media have made it possible for individual voices to reach the world, how should we understand this ancient life strategy?
On one hand, organizational logic and social systems remain powerful, and there are limits to what individuals can confront. Corporate culture, political trends, waves of technological innovation—many “long things” that cannot be changed by individual power still exist in modern times. The advancement of AI and digitalization can particularly be said to be an irresistible flow of the times.
However, in modern times, this proverb is increasingly criticized as “thoughtlessness” or “abandonment of autonomy.” In a society where individual rights consciousness has risen and speaking out against injustice and unreasonableness is valued, easily “being wrapped” tends to be viewed as problematic.
In reality, it is important to understand this as a modern interpretation of “wisdom to discern when to fight and when to follow.” It can be utilized as wisdom for choosing more prudent responses rather than direct confrontation against modern-specific “long things” such as risks of social media backlash, workplace power harassment, and social prejudice.
When AI Hears This
Living within the confined space of the Japanese archipelago, the Japanese people developed an intuitive understanding of a survival principle: “confronting the powerful leads to destruction.” This instinctive wisdom aligns remarkably with what modern game theory calls “cooperative strategy.”
Game theory’s “Prisoner’s Dilemma” experiments prove that while betrayal may offer short-term advantages, cooperation ultimately yields the greatest benefits in long-term relationships. This perfectly mirrors the behavioral pattern of “going with the flow of power.” Organizational psychology also provides data showing that moderately compliant employees have higher promotion rates and better survival odds within organizations.
What’s particularly fascinating is Japan’s geographical constraints. Unlike continental regions where “if you don’t like it, you can migrate” was an option, this island nation required long-term coexistence within the same communities. These limitations gave birth to the sophisticated strategy of “accepting temporary submission for long-term stability.”
Modern behavioral economics concludes that while humans tend to avoid short-term losses, individuals who maintain long-term perspectives ultimately achieve greater success. The fact that wisdom reached through centuries of Japanese experience perfectly aligns with cutting-edge scientific conclusions reveals the existence of universal laws governing human society.
Lessons for Today
What “To long things be wrapped” teaches modern people is what true strength really is. This proverb is certainly not advocating weakness. Rather, it shows the wisdom of correctly grasping situations and choosing optimal actions.
In modern society, risks like social media backlash or workplace isolation are close at hand. In such times, rather than reacting emotionally, the composure to step back and survey the whole picture is required. This is not escape, but strategic judgment to achieve better results.
What’s important is cultivating the ability to discern “when to be wrapped and when to stand up.” You don’t need to be obedient to everything, but you should also avoid being exhausted by pointless battles. Cherishing your values and goals while sometimes responding with flexibility—that is the wisdom for surviving in modern times.
This proverb is not teaching you resignation. Rather, it is giving you the courage to conserve your strength for what is truly important and to act at the appropriate timing.
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