How to Read “If you share the same preferences as the crowd, nothing will fail to be accomplished”
Shū to konomi wo onajiku sureba narazaru nashi
Meaning of “If you share the same preferences as the crowd, nothing will fail to be accomplished”
This proverb means that when you share the same preferences and way of thinking with many people, you can achieve even the most difficult goals.
It teaches that even large projects impossible for one person become achievable when you share values with many people and gain their cooperation.
People use this saying when organizations or teams try to accomplish something together. It also applies when starting social movements or business ventures.
Leaders use it to emphasize the importance of listening to others rather than acting selfishly. It reminds them to earn empathy and support from those around them.
Today, society values individuality and uniqueness. But the importance of cooperation and empathy is being reconsidered too.
This proverb teaches the power of connecting with many people and moving toward a common goal. It shows that this approach works better than forcing your own opinion on others.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb likely comes from ancient Chinese classical thought. It shows the influence of Confucian philosophy, which emphasized the power of groups and the importance of popular support.
The word “shū” refers to many people. “Konomi” means preferences, inclinations, or ways of thinking.
In ancient China, thinkers repeatedly stressed how important it was for rulers to win the hearts of the people. The political philosophy behind this was simple: when rulers face the same direction as the people and align with their wishes, great projects can be accomplished.
After this teaching reached Japan, military commanders and merchants valued it highly. They understood it as practical wisdom: one person’s power has limits, but with the support and cooperation of many, even difficult goals become achievable.
The structure of the phrase is interesting. The expression “share the same preferences” is particularly meaningful.
It’s not just about gathering numbers. It emphasizes the importance of sharing values and direction.
Our ancestors understood that the key to success wasn’t superficial agreement. It was building relationships based on genuine empathy and cooperation.
Usage Examples
- To make a new project succeed, “if you share the same preferences as the crowd, nothing will fail to be accomplished”—first, it’s important to gain understanding and cooperation from the entire team
- Regional revitalization is the same—as “if you share the same preferences as the crowd, nothing will fail to be accomplished” suggests, if all residents face the same direction, it will surely be realized
Universal Wisdom
The universal truth this proverb speaks is that humans are fundamentally social beings. No matter how talented an individual is, there are limits to what one person can do alone.
But when many people connect their hearts and share the same dreams and goals, humans demonstrate power beyond imagination.
What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t just preach about “strength in numbers.” The expression “share the same preferences” carries deep meaning.
It’s not about gathering people superficially. It teaches that connections based on genuine empathy and understanding create true power.
Looking back at human history, most great achievements weren’t born from lone geniuses. They came from cooperation among people who shared common ideals.
Culture, technology, and social progress all result from accumulated empathy and cooperation between people.
This proverb has been passed down through the ages because it shows a truth. Cooperation with companions is more natural and effective for humans than solitary struggle.
People are weak alone. But with companions who can connect hearts, they can overcome any difficulty. That is the essence of human existence.
When AI Hears This
People tend to see aligning with the majority as “pandering.” But in game theory, it has a completely different meaning.
This is a strategy using what’s called a “Schelling point”—the common answer people naturally choose when they can’t consult beforehand.
For example, if you promise to “meet in Tokyo tomorrow” but forget to decide where, many people think of Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station. Why?
Because everyone knows it’s “the place everyone would probably choose.” In other words, majority preferences have a powerful function: predictability.
In economist Schelling’s experiments, over 90 percent of subjects chose the same meeting place.
The essence of this proverb is that aligning with the majority dramatically reduces “coordination costs.” In other words, if you choose the tools everyone uses, the methods everyone knows, and the formats everyone prefers, things proceed without explanation.
This is an “equilibrium point” in cooperative games. It’s a state where maximum efficiency emerges because all participants implicitly choose the same strategy.
What’s fascinating is that this strategy is based on “degree of sharing” rather than “correctness.” Even if it’s not the best method, if many people know it, the probability of success skyrockets.
Standardization and platform effects work on the same principle. The wisdom here is to make the “invisible coordination device” of the majority your ally.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches you today is a realistic path to realizing big dreams.
Now that individual voices have grown stronger through social media, paradoxically, the value of cooperation may have increased even more.
First, what’s important is not forcing your own ideas through. Listen to the thoughts of people around you.
Find where your goals overlap with others’ wishes. Grow a common goal from there. That becomes your first step.
You can apply this wisdom at work, in community activities, and within your family. Before you exhaust yourself trying too hard alone, look around you.
Companions who will face the same direction are often closer than you think. And you yourself can become someone’s companion.
What’s important is not compromising. It’s finding goals you can genuinely empathize with and sharing them with many people.
One hundred steps by one person changes less than one step by one hundred people. One step by one hundred people will surely change the world.
Have the courage to make your dream everyone’s dream.
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