How to Read “老いたる馬は道を忘れず”
Oitaru uma wa michi wo wasurezu
Meaning of “老いたる馬は道を忘れず”
This proverb means that people who have accumulated years of experience can make correct judgments based on their abundant knowledge and experience.
This is a proverb that expresses the importance of the experience that older people possess, particularly showing how valuable the wisdom and judgment of experienced people can be when difficult situations or confusion arises. Just as an aged horse remembers roads it has traveled many times, people who have experienced various situations in life can show solutions and appropriate directions that young people cannot see.
The situations where this proverb is used are mainly when seeking advice from experienced people or when recognizing their value. It is used in various circumstances where the experience of elders is utilized, such as important decisions at companies, life choices, and technical problem-solving. Even in modern times, in a society where digital technology has developed, the importance of human judgment based on experience and intuition remains unchanged, and it can be said that this value is being rerecognized.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originates from a historical account recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “Han Feizi.” During the Spring and Autumn period, when Duke Huan of Qi got lost during an expedition, he placed an old horse at the front to lead the way, and they were able to safely find their way back home.
In “Han Feizi,” this is introduced as “The wisdom of the old horse can be used,” and it is believed that this was transmitted to Japan and changed into the expression “Aged horse does not forget road.” In ancient China, horses were important means of transportation, and especially on battlefields or during long-distance travel, a horse’s abilities could sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
What’s interesting is that this historical account is not simply describing animal behavior, but rather teaching about the value of experience in human society. The ability of the aged horse to “know the road” is depicted as a symbol of wisdom cultivated through years of experience. In Japan, this proverb appeared in Edo period literature and was widely accepted along with Confucian values. This technique of expressing human wisdom through animal characteristics is a common expressive method found in Eastern classical literature.
Interesting Facts
Horses actually possess excellent directional sense and have the ability to remember roads they have traveled once for long periods. Wild horses in particular accurately remember seasonal migration routes, which has evolved as an important ability related to the survival of the entire herd.
The “aged horse” that appears in this proverb refers not to modern racehorses, but to working horses that had been used for cargo transport and transportation for many years. Therefore, judgment based on experience, rather than simple physical strength, was evaluated as the most valuable ability.
Usage Examples
- When we’re in trouble with a new project, it’s best to consult with Manager Tanaka after all—aged horse does not forget road, as they say
- If your son is worried about his future path, why don’t you have him talk to grandpa? Aged horse does not forget road, so he’ll surely give good advice
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb shows complex aspects. With the rapid development of the information society, it’s true that situations where conventional experience and knowledge don’t apply have increased. In the field of digital technology, younger generations are often better at adapting to new technologies, and the wisdom of the “aged horse” is not necessarily effective in all cases.
However, this doesn’t mean the value of this proverb has been lost. Rather, it’s precisely because of modern times that its true worth is being questioned. Even though technology changes rapidly, fundamental life wisdom such as how to build human relationships, judgment in difficult situations, and the ability to learn from failure remains applicable across eras.
Particularly noteworthy is that in the modern era where AI technology has developed, the importance of human intuition and creativity based on experience is being rerecognized. For complex problems that cannot be solved by data and logic alone, insight and judgment cultivated through years of experience remain valuable assets.
In modern times, it’s important to understand “Aged horse does not forget road” not simply as words affirming seniority systems, but as words recognizing the value of wisdom brought by accumulated experience. The inheritance of wisdom across generations is the key to overcoming this turbulent era.
When AI Hears This
In modern society, the “right to be forgotten” has gained attention as a new human right for the digital age. The EU has legally established the right to request removal of search results since 2014, and Japan is also seeing active debate on this issue. However, “An old horse never forgets the way” presents a value system that runs directly counter to this trend.
What’s fascinating is that in an era where AI substitutes for human memory, the meaning of “living memory” that this proverb represents is fundamentally changing. While AI can store vast amounts of data, this is merely information preservation. In contrast, the memories of experienced humans are woven with “context,” “emotion,” and “intuition.”
For example, when a seasoned doctor examines a patient, they remember not just past case data, but also the atmosphere of that moment and the patient’s subtle changes. This is “experiential knowledge” that cannot be replicated in searchable databases.
Even more intriguing is that while the modern “right to be forgotten” aims to protect individual privacy, this proverb implies a “social responsibility not to forget.” Lessons from disasters, memories of war, examples of technological failures—intentionally forgetting these could prove a dangerous choice for society as a whole.
In other words, the real issue is the wisdom of choosing “what to forget and what to continue remembering.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of reconsidering the value of experience. Precisely because we live in rapidly changing modern times, we tend to focus only on new things, but we must not forget that wisdom cultivated over many years has universal value that transcends eras.
Please listen once more to the words of experienced people around you. In the paths they have walked, there are surely hints hidden for overcoming the difficulties you face. At the same time, by carefully accumulating your own daily experiences, you too can become someone who can serve as a guidepost for others someday.
The inheritance of wisdom between generations is a precious treasure that humanity has cultivated throughout its long history. Even as technology advances, the essential worries and joys of humans remain unchanged. That’s why walking carefully on the road called experience and passing that road on to the next generation is what is required of each and every one of us.
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