How to Read “尾を振る犬は叩かれず”
O wo furu inu wa tatakareru
Meaning of “尾を振る犬は叩かれず”
This proverb means that people who honestly show goodwill or respect toward others will not be attacked or disliked.
Just as a dog wagging its tail is a natural behavior expressing joy or affection, and no one would hit such a dog, in human relationships too, people who frankly express their goodwill and respect toward others are loved by those around them and do not attract hostility. The “tail wagging” here does not refer to being overly humble or servile, but rather to naturally expressing warm feelings toward others.
This proverb particularly teaches the importance of showing appropriate respect and friendliness in relationships with superiors or those in power. It also contains practical wisdom that in group settings like workplaces or local communities, approaching others with cooperation can help avoid unnecessary friction and conflict. Even today, this can be considered a universal teaching that applies as a fundamental aspect of communication skills.
Origin and Etymology
“Tail wagging dog is not beaten” is a proverb that originated from long-observed experiences of the relationship between humans and dogs. The behavior of dogs wagging their tails has long been understood by people as an instinctive expression of submission and affection toward their masters.
This proverb is said to have appeared in literature during the Edo period, and it is believed to have spread as wisdom for navigating social relationships in a society with strict class systems. It was used as a lesson teaching appropriate attitudes toward those in power or superiors, viewing dog behavior as a microcosm of human society.
What’s interesting is that this expression does not simply recommend flattery or fawning, but rather teaches the importance of honestly expressing respect and goodwill toward others. Since a dog’s tail wagging is not calculated but a pure expression of emotion, it suggests that genuine attitudes are important in human relationships as well.
During the Edo period, this was treasured as practical wisdom among merchants and craftsmen for maintaining smooth relationships with customers and masters, and it has been passed down to the present day. This proverb contains both the cultural background of Japanese people who value harmony and practical wisdom about human relationships.
Interesting Facts
Dog tail-wagging behavior actually involves complex emotional expression, with research showing that wagging to the right indicates joy while wagging to the left indicates anxiety. Perhaps the people of the era when this proverb was born were also observing the subtle emotional expressions of dogs.
In Edo period merchant houses, the concept of “customers are gods” took root, and this proverb was also treasured as a secret to business prosperity. Many similar teachings were recorded in the moral instruction books for merchants of that time.
Usage Examples
- New employee Tanaka is as friendly as a tail-wagging dog and is loved by everyone
- That person is always honest and favorable toward superiors, so like “Tail wagging dog is not beaten,” their promotion came quickly
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, this proverb requires complex interpretation in our current era. With the spread of SNS and remote work, the methods of expressing “tail wagging” behavior have changed significantly. Online meeting participation through active speaking, polite communication in chats, favorable reactions through “likes” and comments – these represent the digital age’s version of “tail wagging.”
On the other hand, in modern times, excessive friendliness or flattery tends to be criticized as “reading too much into situations” or “brown-nosing.” Particularly among younger generations, there’s a tendency to misunderstand this as “behavior to ingratiate oneself with those in power” rather than the proverb’s original meaning of “honest expression of goodwill.” This can be seen as the influence of modern values that emphasize individual independence and equal relationships.
However, the importance of appropriately expressing respect and goodwill toward others in building fundamental human relationships remains unchanged. Rather, precisely because diversity is valued in modern times, showing an attitude of understanding and accepting others has become more important than ever.
As globalization progresses and collaboration with people from different cultural backgrounds increases, the “consideration for others and favorable attitudes” taught by this proverb is being reevaluated as universal wisdom that applies to international communication as well.
When AI Hears This
When we closely observe dogs wagging their tails, we discover it’s not just about “happiness” – it’s also a signal of tension, anxiety, or submission to others. In animal behavior studies, this is called an “appeasement signal,” a survival strategy that sends the message “I am not a threat.”
Looking at human society through this lens reveals a surprisingly similar structure. Subordinates acting friendly toward their bosses, people maintaining constant smiles in front of authority figures – these aren’t merely social skills, but the same “I’m not a threat” signals that dogs send with their tail wagging.
What’s fascinating is that this behavior isn’t necessarily “servile.” In the animal kingdom, individuals who can send appropriate submission signals to dominant members have higher survival rates and can establish stable positions within their groups. In human society too, the ability to understand power structures and “wag your tail” at the right moments is actually a manifestation of sophisticated social intelligence.
In other words, this proverb isn’t about superficial social maneuvering – it captures the essence of a “coexistence strategy with power” that living beings have developed over thousands of years. It makes us newly aware of this ancient survival technique that we still use unconsciously today.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the power of “honesty” in human relationships. In an era where social media controversies are commonplace and people tend to be wary of each other, why not reconsider the value of frankly expressing goodwill and respect toward others?
What’s important is not calculation or profit-and-loss thinking, but genuinely caring for others from pure feelings. Whether at work or at home, conveying casual words like “thank you” or “good work” with heartfelt sincerity. Listening seriously to what others have to say. Not forgetting small acts of consideration. Such ordinary things actually become the most powerful form of “self-defense.”
In modern society, individuality and self-assertion are valued, but this never contradicts consideration for others. Rather, true individuality shines within relationships where people respect each other. Try showing just a little more smile to the people around you starting today. That warmth will surely return to you and become the foundation for building richer human relationships.
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