How to Read “肉を切らせて骨を断つ”
Niku wo kirasete hone wo tatsu
Meaning of “肉を切らせて骨を断つ”
“Let meat be cut and sever bone” is a proverb that represents strategic action of being prepared for small losses or sacrifices in order to deal a greater blow to one’s opponent.
The essence of this proverb is not simply about enduring. It is an active tactic for ultimately achieving greater results or victory while calculating that one will suffer some degree of damage. It expresses the wisdom of using an opponent’s attacks or actions to one’s advantage, turning them into favorable situations.
It is used in business negotiations and competition, interpersonal maneuvering, and even important life choices. It is employed when trying to achieve big goals from a long-term perspective without being caught up in small immediate gains.
The reason for using this expression is to convey the importance of considering the balance between short-term losses and long-term benefits. Even today, this way of thinking is very effective in investment, business development, career choices, and other areas.
Origin and Etymology
“Let meat be cut and sever bone” is a proverb that originated from the combat techniques of warriors during the Warring States period. It expresses a tactic in one-on-one battles using swords, where one would deliberately receive an opponent’s attack and allow one’s flesh to be cut, then exploit that opening to sever the opponent’s bone.
Behind this tactic lay the life-or-death battles of warriors of that era. In sword fighting, it was difficult to completely avoid an opponent’s attacks. Therefore, skilled warriors developed advanced techniques of receiving an opponent’s attack while avoiding fatal wounds, then aiming for the opening created in that moment to deliver a decisive counterattack.
The part “let meat be cut” means sustaining a shallow wound oneself, while “sever bone” represents dealing a fatal blow to the opponent. What this expression shows was not mere endurance or patience, but active action based on a clear strategy.
During the Edo period, this warrior tactic evolved and became widely used as wisdom for maneuvering in life and business. It became established as an expression of strategic thinking that remains relevant today – accepting small losses to gain large profits.
Usage Examples
- Even if we go into the red with new product development costs, let’s go with a “Let meat be cut and sever bone” strategy for future market share expansion
- In the price competition with our rival company, I intend to “Let meat be cut and sever bone,” accepting temporary profit reduction
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Let meat be cut and sever bone” is applied in more complex and diverse situations. Particularly in the business world, this strategic thinking has taken on important meaning.
In the IT industry, the freemium model of providing free services to acquire users and then monetizing later is exactly this approach. It accepts the “cutting meat” part of initial investment and operating costs while aiming for the “severing bone” effect of future large market share.
In the investment field, strategies that accept short-term losses while aiming for long-term returns have become common. It is used as the mindset of investors who accept temporary unrealized losses while aiming for large future profits in stock and real estate investment.
However, in modern times, this proverb is sometimes mistakenly used to mean “endurance will be rewarded.” There is a tendency for the original strategic meaning to fade and be interpreted simply as a virtue of patience.
In today’s globalized world, this way of thinking needs to be applied more carefully. This is because there are risks that short-term losses may become larger than expected, or that long-term strategies may not work due to rapid market changes. Nevertheless, its value as calculated strategic thinking can be said to be wisdom that remains fully applicable in modern society.
When AI Hears This
This ancient military wisdom actually expresses what modern game theory calls a “dominant strategy.” In game theory, a dominant strategy is one that yields the best outcome regardless of what action your opponent takes, and “letting them cut your flesh to break their bones” perfectly embodies this concept.
What’s fascinating is that this strategy can be quantified using a “payoff matrix.” For example, if we assign a loss of -3 for letting the opponent cut your flesh and a gain of +10 for breaking their bones, your net gain becomes +7. Meanwhile, doing nothing keeps you at zero in a deadlocked situation. Mathematically, the choice to “lose small to win big” becomes the optimal solution.
The same principle is used in modern corporate strategy. Amazon continued operating at a loss for years while expanding market share, ultimately achieving massive profits. This can be interpreted as “letting competitors cut the flesh of short-term profits while breaking the bone of market dominance.”
Even more remarkable is how this strategy aligns with the concept of “Nash equilibrium.” When opponents become satisfied with cutting the flesh and fail to notice your true objective, this creates an equilibrium point where neither party has motivation to change their strategy. Ancient military leaders intuitively grasped the essence of human psychology and strategy without mathematical proof.
Lessons for Today
What “Let meat be cut and sever bone” teaches us today is the importance of strategic thinking in life. It shows the importance of acquiring the wisdom to judge things from a long-term perspective without being caught up in small immediate gains and losses.
In modern society, there is a strong tendency to demand immediate results, but there are times when short-term sacrifices are necessary to obtain truly valuable things. Investing time and effort to acquire new skills, or accepting temporary income reduction in pursuit of a better environment, can also be considered modern applications of this way of thinking.
However, the most important point this proverb teaches is to make solid plans before making sacrifices. It’s important to act with clear goals and strategies, not to endure blindly.
When you face important choices in life, please remember this ancient wisdom. Small courage will surely open the door to a great future. On the path walked with strategic thinking and resolve, new possibilities are always waiting.
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