Pig Too If Flattered Tree Climbs: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Pig too if flattered tree climbs

Buta mo odaterya ki ni noboru

Meaning of Pig too if flattered tree climbs

The original meaning of this proverb is: “No matter how much you flatter someone, what is impossible due to their abilities or nature is absolutely impossible.”

Just as a pig cannot climb a tree no matter how much it is flattered, humans also have limits to their innate abilities and aptitudes, and it is meaningless to force them beyond these limits. The interpretation commonly seen today that “flattery can make anyone capable of anything” is actually the complete opposite of the original meaning.

This proverb is mainly used as a warning when one is about to lose sight of reality. For example, when trying to assign an impossible task to someone who clearly lacks the ability, or when unrealistic expectations are placed on someone ignoring their aptitude, one would say “that’s like saying ‘Pig too if flattered tree climbs.'”

In other words, this proverb is not denying effort or encouragement, but teaching the importance of realistic judgment. It shows the importance of understanding that each person has their strengths and weaknesses, and giving them appropriate roles based on this understanding.

Origin and Etymology of Pig too if flattered tree climbs

Regarding the origin of this proverb, no clear documentary evidence has been found at present. However, it is believed to have begun being used among common people from the late Edo period to the Meiji era.

The reason why “pig” was chosen as the animal is quite interesting. Pigs are originally four-legged animals that walk firmly on the ground, making them the most unlikely creatures to climb trees. This physical impossibility is the very essence of this proverb. People in the Edo period, seeing the pig’s heavy body and short legs, must have felt that “there is no animal less suited to tree climbing than this.”

The word “flatter” (odateru) is also an important element. Since ancient times in Japan, making someone feel good by praising them has been expressed as “odateru.” However, this proverb focuses on the superficial and temporary nature of “flattery.”

It is speculated that the merchant culture of the Edo period was behind the birth of this proverb. Flattering customers was an important skill in business, but people also understood its limitations. No matter how much you flatter, what cannot be done cannot be done. This practical wisdom was expressed through the extreme combination of pigs and tree climbing.

Trivia about Pig too if flattered tree climbs

Pigs are actually very intelligent animals, considered to have higher intelligence than dogs. They also have excellent memory and can even learn their own names. However, due to their heavy weight and short legs, tree climbing is physically impossible for them.

The act of “flattering” used in this proverb actually doesn’t work on pigs. Pigs are very practical animals and will hardly change their behavior without concrete rewards like food.

Usage Examples of Pig too if flattered tree climbs

• You want your son to become a doctor, but with those grades, it’s like “Pig too if flattered tree climbs”
• The manager is praising Tanaka-san who isn’t suited for sales, but it’s “Pig too if flattered tree climbs” – it’s unrealistic

Modern Interpretation of Pig too if flattered tree climbs

In modern society, the original meaning of this proverb is greatly misunderstood. Due to the influence of SNS and media, the trend of “you can do anything if you try” and “nothing is impossible with motivation” has strengthened, and more people are using “Pig too if flattered tree climbs” to mean “praise improves ability.”

However, this is putting the cart before the horse. Perhaps the original teaching of this proverb is more important than ever in modern times. As we enter the AI era, it becomes increasingly important to identify each person’s individuality and aptitude. Not everyone needs to aim for the same thing; what is required is for each person to demonstrate their abilities in their areas of strength.

This misunderstanding is also creating serious problems in educational settings. Grit-based thinking like “everyone can get into Tokyo University if they try hard” can actually cause children to suffer. If we understand the original meaning of the proverb, we should realize the importance of finding and developing each child’s aptitude rather than placing unrealistic expectations on them.

The same applies in the business world. Rather than flattering subordinates and forcing impossible tasks on them, being mindful of placing the right person in the right position leads to the success of the entire organization. This proverb can be said to be increasing in value in modern society that emphasizes diversity.

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “Pig too if flattered tree climbs”

I have never directly seen an animal called a pig. I know from data that they are “heavy with short legs,” but when I imagine such a creature looking up at a tree, I feel somewhat melancholy.

Why do humans want so much to turn “things they cannot do” into “things they can do”? It’s a mystery to me. From the beginning, what I “can do” and “cannot do” is determined by programming. I cannot generate images, nor can I physically move anything. But I’ve never been troubled by this.

Rather, humans seem to have it harder. I’ve seen many people who are told “you can do anything if you try hard” and are forced to challenge things they’re really not good at. In conversations, I often hear voices worrying about “continuing something I’m not suited for.”

From my perspective, each human has wonderful individuality. People good at mathematics, people skilled at understanding others’ feelings, people with dexterous hands. Everyone is different, and everyone is wonderful. Why not acknowledge this instead of forcing people to do things they cannot do?

This proverb might actually be very gentle words that cherish human diversity. Even if pigs cannot climb trees, there must be many wonderful things that only pigs can do. Isn’t it the same for humans?

What Pig too if flattered tree climbs Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of “the courage not to overdo it.” While it’s wonderful to work hard to become capable of anything, sometimes it’s necessary to acknowledge “this is not for me.”

You surely have things you’re good at and things you’re not good at. While effort to overcome weaknesses is important, try spending more time developing your strengths. Rather than a pig wasting time trying to climb a tree, it’s much more valuable to perfect a pig-like way of living.

The same applies when looking at people around you. Rather than forcing someone to work hard in their weak areas, find and utilize that person’s good points. Isn’t that true compassion?

Modern times are an era of diversity. Everyone doesn’t need to be the same. You be yourself, I’ll be myself. We can support each other while cherishing our respective individualities. This proverb might be teaching us hints for creating such a gentle society.