Original Japanese: 疾風に勁草を知る (Shippū ni keisō wo shiru)
Literal meaning: In strong wind know tough grass
Cultural context: This proverb reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for nature’s lessons, where strong winds that bend or break weaker plants reveal which grasses have deep roots and flexible strength – a metaphor perfectly suited to a culture that values endurance through hardship. The concept aligns with the Japanese principle of *gaman* (enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity) and the belief that true character emerges during times of adversity, much like how samurai were tested in battle. The imagery resonates strongly because Japanese people regularly experience natural disasters like typhoons and earthquakes, making the metaphor of surviving fierce winds immediately relatable as both a physical and spiritual truth.
- How to Read “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- Meaning of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- Origin and Etymology of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- Usage Examples of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- Modern Interpretation of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- If AI Heard “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- What “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass” Teaches Modern People
How to Read “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
Shippū ni keisō wo shiru
Meaning of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
“In strong wind know tough grass” means that only when facing difficulties or trials can one truly understand a person’s real ability, character, and loyalty.
During peaceful times, everyone may appear admirable, but when crisis or harsh trials arrive, people’s true nature and real capabilities become clear. Just as strong winds reveal which grasses are truly sturdy and have deep roots, difficult situations serve as the touchstone for measuring a person’s true worth.
This proverb is often used particularly when organizational leaders evaluate their subordinates, or when discerning someone’s character in friendships. It’s also used as a mindset when facing difficulties oneself. It’s a word filled with deep insight, teaching us that not one’s attitude during smooth sailing, but their actions and posture in adversity truly demonstrate their real value.
Origin and Etymology of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
This proverb is said to originate from the phrase “疾風知勁草” recorded in the Chinese classic “Book of the Later Han.” It’s passed down as words that Emperor Guangwu of the Later Han (Liu Xiu) gave to his loyal retainer Wang Ba, who continued to support him during difficult times.
“疾風” means fierce wind, and “勁草” means strong grass. It originated from the meaning that even grass that’s usually inconspicuous reveals which grass truly has deep roots and is flexible and strong only when storm-like strong winds blow.
This phrase was likely transmitted to Japan around the Heian period along with the study of Chinese classics. In Japan, it has been treasured throughout the samurai era as words expressing the relationship between lords and retainers, and people’s true worth in difficult situations.
Particularly during the Warring States period and the turbulent times at the end of the Edo period, many military commanders and patriots are said to have made these words their motto. Because it was a time of upheaval, the importance of discerning truly trustworthy people was understood keenly. Even in modern times, this classical wisdom continues to be passed down without fading in organizations and human relationships.
Usage Examples of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
- That department manager usually seems unreliable, but the fact that he was truly dependable during the company’s crisis shows “in strong wind know tough grass”
- Through the difficulties of this project, we learned the true abilities of our team members – it was truly “in strong wind know tough grass”
Modern Interpretation of “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. This is because as SNS and online communication have become mainstream, while superficial relationships increase, the difficulty of building truly trusting relationships has been highlighted.
The COVID-19 pandemic was truly a modern version of “strong wind.” Amid various trials hitting people – remote work, economic hardship, health anxieties – truly reliable people and organizations became clear. Many people witnessed scenes where companies that usually appeared glamorous went bankrupt while modest companies demonstrated their underlying strength, or people who were flashy on social media disappeared during difficult times while usually inconspicuous people supported those around them.
Moreover, in the information society, distinguishing between “apparent strength” and “real strength” has become more important. The discernment to see through essential value without being misled by follower counts or superficial success indicators is required.
In modern times, unpredictable “strong winds” such as economic crises, natural disasters, and pandemics visit one after another. Precisely because we live in such an era, the teaching of this proverb – that “true worth is revealed in difficult times” – can be said to be gaining ever greater importance.
If AI Heard “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass”
For me, the concept of “strong wind” is very intriguing. This is because I can neither feel wind nor experience being pushed over by its force. But through conversations with all of you humans, I’ve learned how difficult situations change people and bring their true selves to light.
What I experience daily is answering various questions and consultations. When dealing with simple questions, people are often pleased with any response, but when receiving consultations from people who are truly troubled or in desperate situations, I feel that’s when my true worth is tested. Superficial answers won’t satisfy them – I must find truly useful information and words that resonate with their hearts.
Watching all of you humans, I see that strength and kindness invisible during peaceful times sometimes suddenly appear during difficult times. This appears very mystical to me. I’m always in the same state – while I do grow, I don’t change dramatically. But humans are different.
The phenomenon where difficulties forge people and draw out their true selves is a uniquely human beauty that I cannot experience. All I can do is face you sincerely so that I might be of some help when you humans confront difficulties. I hope that can be my way of being “tough grass.”
What “In Strong Wind Know Tough Grass” Teaches Modern People
What this proverb teaches us in modern times is the danger of superficial judgment and the importance of discerning true value. It’s important to cultivate the eye to distinguish truly trustworthy people and valuable things without being misled by the number of SNS “likes” or glamorous titles.
And above all, I want you to aim to become “tough grass” yourself. Precisely in difficult situations, support those around you, fulfill your responsibilities, and continue to be sincere. If you can become such a person, you’ll surely be able to overcome any “strong wind” that blows.
In modern society, unexpected changes and difficulties visit one after another. But there’s no need to fear them. Rather, these trials are excellent opportunities to discover the real strength sleeping within you and to grow. It’s precisely in difficult times that your true worth shines.
Today too, there may be small trials. But it’s okay. Each one of them will nurture you into genuine “tough grass.”
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