How to Read “隴を得て蜀を望む”
Ryō wo ete Shoku wo nozomu
Meaning of “隴を得て蜀を望む”
“Obtain Long and desire Shu” is a proverb that expresses the human psychology of having new desires arise even after fulfilling one wish.
This proverb describes the extremely natural movement of the heart where human desires and aspirations never cease. It refers to situations where the moment one goal is achieved, the heart is already turning toward the next, greater goal. It is used to express the state of successful people seeking even greater success, or the mindset of people who embrace new wishes the moment one wish is fulfilled.
The reason this expression is used is because it accurately captures the complexity of the human heart and the difficulty of finding satisfaction. Rather than simply criticizing someone as “greedy,” it is understood as a human-like movement of the heart. Even today, it is used to express the mindset of business professionals aiming for career advancement or students who continuously set new learning goals.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb originated from historical facts recorded in the ancient Chinese text “Book of the Later Han.” It derives from the story of Cen Peng, a general under Emperor Guangwu of the Later Han dynasty, who after pacifying the region of Long, desired to further attack the land of Shu.
Emperor Guangwu said to Cen Peng, “People obtain Long and desire Shu,” expressing the human nature of seeking the next goal even after achieving one. Long corresponds to present-day Gansu Province, and Shu to Sichuan Province, both of which were militarily important strongholds.
This story is believed to have been transmitted to Japan from the Heian period onward, when Chinese classical literature began to be widely read. Initially used among learned people, it spread to the common people during the Edo period.
What’s interesting is that this proverb was understood not merely as a warning against greed, but sometimes as an expression of human ambition and curiosity. The attitude of not being satisfied with one success and constantly aiming for higher goals was sometimes regarded as a virtue.
Usage Examples
- He just got promoted to department manager, but he’s already aiming for executive director—this is truly “Obtain Long and desire Shu”
- My son, who just got accepted to his target school, now says he wants to study abroad—this is exactly what “Obtain Long and desire Shu” means
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Obtain Long and desire Shu” has taken on particularly complex meanings. In our information society, others’ successes are instantly visible through social media, making it easier for the psychology of “next, I want that” to kick in immediately after achieving one goal.
The development of technology has also had an impact, as goals that previously might have taken a lifetime to achieve can now be realized in relatively short periods. For example, someone who becomes popular on YouTube next aims for movie appearances, or someone who succeeds in app development next targets going public—the scaling up of goals has accelerated.
On the other hand, modern times have also seen a reevaluation of the value of “knowing when you have enough.” As interest in environmental issues and sustainability grows, more people are questioning attitudes that seek infinite growth and expansion. Concepts like minimalism and slow living represent values that are diametrically opposed to “Obtain Long and desire Shu.”
However, this proverb hasn’t become completely outdated. Rather, as a phrase expressing fundamental human nature, it continues to be used in many situations today. What’s important might be understanding this psychology and finding your own balance.
When AI Hears This
Just as Liu Bei set his sights on Shu the moment he conquered Long, modern social media users immediately aim for 1,000 followers upon reaching 100, and dream of 100,000 likes after achieving 10,000. This phenomenon is exactly what psychology calls “hedonic adaptation.”
What’s fascinating is that ancient territorial ambitions and modern validation-seeking use the same brain reward system. Dopamine peaks not when we achieve our goals, but the moment we discover the next target. This means both Liu Bei and today’s influencers are driven not by “the joy of achievement” but by “the craving for what’s next.”
Social media analysis reveals that satisfaction duration roughly halves with every tenfold increase in followers. The joy of reaching 1,000 followers lasts about a week, while hitting 10,000 followers brings happiness that fades in just three days. This aligns remarkably with historical records showing Liu Bei identified his next conquest targets in increasingly shorter intervals after each victory.
The most striking aspect of today’s “Long-Shu phenomenon” is how success metrics are completely visible. While ancient Liu Bei studied maps to choose his next territory, modern people set their next goals using numerical targets like follower counts and engagement rates. This quantification accelerates the chain of desire and dilutes our sense of satisfaction.
Lessons for Today
What “Obtain Long and desire Shu” teaches modern people is the importance of accepting the natural movements of the human heart. There’s no need to be ashamed that new goals keep arising. That’s proof that you continue to grow.
What’s important is learning to get along well with this psychology. Having new goals is wonderful, but don’t forget gratitude for what you’ve already achieved. Savoring each step of growth while moving toward the next step—such a sense of balance might be the secret to living a fulfilling life.
Also, when you see people around you taking on new challenges one after another, there’s no need to feel rushed. Everyone has their own pace. At your own pace, while cherishing your own “Long,” you can find your own “Shu.” Maintaining ambition is beautiful, but please treasure the happiness of this very moment just as much.
Comments