How to Read “桜切る馬鹿、梅切らぬ馬鹿”
Sakura kiru baka, ume kiranai baka
Meaning of “桜切る馬鹿、梅切らぬ馬鹿”
This proverb expresses the teaching that everything has its appropriate way of being handled, and uniform methods cannot yield good results.
Cherry trees are vulnerable to pruning, and carelessly cutting branches can damage the tree, hence they are called “cutting fools,” while plum trees require regular pruning, and neglecting their care leads to poor flowering, hence they are expressed as “not-cutting fools.” In other words, even for the same act of “tree care,” completely opposite approaches become correct depending on the subject. This teaching can be applied to various situations including human relationships, work, and education. Some people should be strictly guided, while others should be quietly watched over. Some problems require active intervention, while others should be left to resolve naturally. The reason for using this proverb is to warn against the dangers of uniform responses and to convey the importance of flexible judgment according to the person or situation. Even today, this wisdom serves as a very valuable guideline in management, child-rearing, and human relationships.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb lies in ancient wisdom regarding the care of garden trees in Japan. It expresses the differences in pruning methods for cherry and plum trees, two representative flowering trees, and since descriptions can be found in gardening books and agricultural texts from the Edo period, it is believed to have been used for at least several hundred years.
Cherry trees are representative trees that bloom beautiful flowers in spring, but they actually have very delicate characteristics. When branches are cut, bacteria can easily enter through the cut surface, and decay can progress from there, weakening the entire tree. Plum trees, in contrast to cherry trees, are trees that require regular pruning. If left unattended, branches grow wildly, leading to poor flowering and disordered tree shape.
Our ancestors, who observed these natural principles, expressed the importance of care suited to each tree’s characteristics in concise words, which became the beginning of this proverb. It is believed to have been passed down among gardeners and farmers, eventually spreading as general wisdom. The keen observational skills of the Japanese people regarding nature and the cultural background of establishing such observations as everyday wisdom gave birth to this proverb.
Interesting Facts
The reason cherry pruning is difficult lies in the special nature of cherry tree sap. Cherry sap is high in sugar content, and the sap that flows from cut surfaces easily becomes a nutrient source for bacteria, making the trees susceptible to infections. Therefore, if cherry trees must be pruned, it should be done in the depths of winter when bacterial activity is sluggish, and the cut surfaces must be immediately covered with protective agents.
On the other hand, the optimal time for pruning plum trees is around March, right after the flowers finish blooming. By cutting old branches during this period and promoting the growth of new branches, you can enjoy more flowers the following year.
Usage Examples
- I teach newcomer Tanaka carefully but leave everything to veteran Sato – this is exactly the spirit of Cherry cutting fool, plum not-cutting fool.
- Child-rearing is also Cherry cutting fool, plum not-cutting fool – it seems best to be strict with this child and gentle with that child.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the teaching of this proverb has become even more important. As globalization and digitalization advance, we tend to emphasize efficiency and standardization, but in human relationships and organizational management, the limitations of uniform approaches have become clear.
This wisdom is particularly effective in workplace management. Each subordinate has different personality, abilities, and sources of motivation. While clear instructions and strict management are effective for some people, it’s important to give others freedom to demonstrate their creativity. With the spread of remote work, the importance of this individualized approach has increased even further.
The same applies to education. The shift from traditional simultaneous instruction to individually optimized learning is progressing, and this is exactly the thinking of “Cherry cutting fool, plum not-cutting fool.” It’s necessary to change approaches according to children’s learning styles and levels of understanding.
However, in modern times, the difficulty of making these distinctions has also increased. In an age of information overload, it has become difficult to correctly discern people’s characteristics. It would be difficult to understand a person’s essence through only brief interactions on social media. That’s why the time and effort to carefully observe and understand others holds even greater value than before.
When AI Hears This
This contrasting treatment reveals the exquisite balance between two value systems in Japanese nature philosophy. The decision to “not cut” cherry blossoms stems from reverence for momentary beauty and the aesthetic principle of “mono no aware.” In a worldview where the ephemeral nature of falling petals embodies true beauty, human intervention becomes an act that undermines the essence of that beauty.
Conversely, the decision to “cut” plum trees reflects the wisdom of an agricultural people who prioritize long-term health and practicality. Plums serve dual purposes as ornamental and fruit-bearing trees, and proper pruning dramatically improves both the following year’s blossoms and fruit harvest. Here, sustainability takes precedence over beauty.
What’s fascinating is that this distinction represents no contradiction, but rather demonstrates the flexible value judgment of Japanese culture. Even within the same act of “loving nature,” they choose a “hands-off approach” for cherry blossoms while selecting a “hands-on approach” for plum trees. This reflects an Eastern wisdom that discerns the optimal way to engage with each subject based on its unique nature, rather than adhering to the consistent logic typical of Western thought.
Even today, the delicate judgments Japanese people make between technology and nature, efficiency and aesthetic sensibility, may well be rooted in this cultural DNA symbolized by the cherry-plum contrast.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us in modern times is the importance of having a heart that accepts diversity. Even when aiming for the same goal, the paths to reach it are naturally different for each person.
Around you too, there are probably people who demonstrate their abilities through active encouragement, and others who show their true potential when quietly watched over. It’s not a matter of which is correct, but rather cultivating the eye to discern what is optimal for each person.
The key to applying this wisdom to daily life starts with carefully observing others. Don’t make hasty judgments, but try to carefully watch that person’s reactions and changes. And even if one method doesn’t work well, don’t view it as a failure, but rather as valuable information for finding a method more suitable for that person.
When you’re troubled by human relationships, remember this proverb. Before lamenting that the other person won’t change, isn’t there room to change your approach? Just as cherry trees have their beauty and plum trees have theirs, each person has their own way of shining. By discovering and cherishing those differences, your human relationships will surely become richer.
Comments