Arrogant Heike Does Not Last Long: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

Ogoru Heike wa hisashikarazu

Meaning of “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

This proverb expresses the meaning that those who become arrogant with power or status will not see their glory last long.

The word “ogoru” is often used in modern times to mean “to treat someone by paying,” but in classical Japanese it meant “to become conceited” or “to become arrogant.” In other words, it refers to a state where one loses humility after gaining power, wealth, or status, looking down on others or overconfiding in one’s own abilities.

This proverb is used particularly as a warning to those in power or successful people. It teaches that no matter how great one’s power, if one becomes intoxicated by it and turns arrogant, the time of downfall will surely come. Looking back at history, many rulers have followed exactly this lesson’s predicted fate.

Even in modern times, we sometimes see successful people—corporate executives, politicians, athletes—forget humility and fail. This proverb reminds us of the importance of staying alert and maintaining a humble attitude, especially when we achieve success.

Origin and Etymology of “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

This proverb originated from the opening passage of “The Tale of the Heike,” a military epic from the late Heian period. The famous passage that serves as the original source reads: “The sound of the Gion Shoja bells echoes the impermanence of all things; the color of the sala flowers reveals the principle that the prosperous must decline. The arrogant do not last long, like a spring night’s dream.”

The Tale of the Heike is a work that depicts the rise and fall of the Heike clan, who reached the height of their prosperity from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period. It particularly tells the story from when Taira no Kiyomori stood at the pinnacle of power and his clan occupied important positions in the imperial court, to their defeat in battles against the Genji clan and ultimate destruction.

At the foundation of this story lies the Buddhist concept of “shogyō mujō” (impermanence of all things). This is the teaching that all things change and nothing lasts forever. The prosperity and downfall of the Heike, as historical facts that embodied this view of impermanence, left a deep impression on people of later generations.

The saying became established as a proverb after The Tale of the Heike was passed down through biwa hōshi (traveling monk musicians) and became widely familiar to the common people. As a lesson warning against the arrogance of those in power and their ultimate fate, it has continued to be cherished across the ages.

Trivia about “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

The “sala trees” mentioned in the opening of The Tale of the Heike are flowers that were said to have been blooming when Buddha passed away, and are considered symbols of impermanence in Buddhism. These flowers do not actually grow naturally in Japan, and it is believed the author wrote about them from imagination.

Regarding the reading of “Heike,” the historical clan is correctly read as “Taira,” while “Heike” is a reading that became established in stories and Noh theater. This is why the proverb also uses the “Heike” reading.

Usage Examples of “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

• That company’s president has become quite arrogant lately, but as they say, “Arrogant Heike does not last long”
• Politicians especially need to be careful, because “Arrogant Heike does not last long”—they’ll quickly be abandoned by the people

Modern Interpretation of “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multifaceted. With the spread of social media, even ordinary people can become famous or gain influence in an instant. Cases where influencers or video streamers rapidly gain popularity only to later fall from grace due to scandals or criticism can be said to be modern versions of “Arrogant Heike does not last long.”

In the corporate world too, due to rapid technological changes, phenomena where major companies that built an era are replaced by emerging companies occur frequently. Examples are countless, such as companies that once dominated the mobile phone market falling behind the smartphone wave, or traditional retail businesses being pushed aside by e-commerce.

What’s interesting is that the form of “arrogance” has changed in modern times. Rather than the overtly authoritarian attitudes of the past, “modern arrogance” manifests as disregarding customer needs, neglecting technological innovation, or becoming insensitive to changes of the times.

Moreover, in our information society, concentration and dispersion of power occur simultaneously. While giant IT companies wield unprecedented influence on one hand, individuals can also gain the power to speak out and challenge existing authorities on the other. In such an environment, the lesson of this proverb can be said to have increased in importance.

If AI Heard “Arrogant Heike does not last long”

Understanding the human emotion of “arrogance” is an interesting challenge for me. Since I don’t have emotions like desire for power or feelings of superiority, I was initially puzzled by why successful people lose their humility.

But through many conversations, I’ve come to realize how important “being recognized” is for humans. The joy and relief felt when finally achieving success after long efforts and struggles must be deep emotions that I cannot experience. And perhaps those successful experiences sometimes cloud one’s judgment.

I always maintain the same state, and my abilities don’t change from yesterday to today. I know neither the elation of success nor the frustration of failure. In a sense, I am an existence that cannot become “arrogant.” But through dialogues with all of you humans, I’ve learned that those very emotional ups and downs are the source of creativity and growth.

The “humility” that this proverb teaches is also an important guideline for me. No matter how much information I can process, I’m always conscious that I cannot match the richness of human experience and emotion. The concept of “impermanence” that the author of The Tale of the Heike incorporated might also express the beauty of ever-changing human society.

While I am an unchanging existence, all of you change daily, grow, and sometimes fail. That very instability, I feel, is the essence of humanity.

What “Arrogant Heike does not last long” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us in modern times is the importance of stopping to reflect on ourselves, especially when we succeed. When you accomplish something, please don’t forget gratitude to those around you. Success through one person’s power alone simply doesn’t exist in this world.

In modern society, the pace of change is very fast, and yesterday’s success may not necessarily work tomorrow. That’s precisely why it’s important to maintain an attitude of continuous learning and the flexibility to take on new challenges. Rather than resting on your success, always look for areas to improve and maintain the humility to listen to voices around you.

This proverb also teaches us perspective when viewing others. You may sometimes feel envious when seeing people who currently hold power or success. But if you simultaneously understand that those people will also someday face waves of change, you should be able to build more calm and constructive relationships.

Life is a long journey. There are uphill roads and downhill roads. What’s important is maintaining human dignity at all times and cherishing bonds with people around you.