How to Read “Crows in a flock relying on their numbers”
Tazei wo tanomu gun-a
Meaning of “Crows in a flock relying on their numbers”
This proverb warns that groups relying only on their large numbers are actually disorganized and useless. Like a flock of crows, they may look powerful because of their size, but without proper coordination, they have no real strength.
People use this saying to criticize organizations or teams that focus only on increasing their numbers while ignoring quality and discipline.
It also serves as a warning to groups that simply gather together without clear purpose or role assignments.
Even in modern society, companies often think adding more people will solve problems. They believe throwing more workers at a project guarantees success.
But as this proverb teaches, what matters isn’t the number. What counts is clear purpose, discipline, and the quality and coordination of each member.
Origin and Etymology
The exact first appearance of this proverb in literature is unclear. However, we can learn interesting things from how the words are put together.
“Gun-a” means a flock of crows. Japanese people have observed crow behavior in groups since ancient times.
Crows do flock together, but their groups lack clear leadership or discipline. When they find food, they scramble to grab it first. Their cries create a cacophony of noise.
They may look powerful in large numbers, but each bird actually moves independently.
“Relying on their numbers” describes depending only on having many members. By combining this phrase with the image of crows, the proverb warns that large but undisciplined groups are just mobs.
Since ancient times in Japan, the importance of group discipline and coordination has been emphasized. This goes back to the samurai era.
In battle, having more soldiers wasn’t enough to win. A small, well-organized elite force could defeat a larger army. Many historical battles proved this lesson.
Such historical experience may form the background of this proverb. Through the familiar behavior of crows, it sharply points out a truth about human society.
Interesting Facts
Crows are actually known as highly intelligent birds. Yet their behavior as a flock truly lacks coordination.
Individual crows can use tools and remember human faces. But when they gather in groups, each bird tends to act on its own.
This contrast makes the proverb even more convincing.
Classical Japanese military thought includes the idea that “a small force can control a large one.” A small but disciplined army can defeat a large mob.
This philosophy and the teaching of “Crows in a flock relying on their numbers” point to the same fundamental truth.
Usage Examples
- Just gathering people will only create crows in a flock relying on their numbers, so let’s first clarify everyone’s roles
- That team has many members, but they’re like crows in a flock relying on their numbers—nothing ever gets decided
Universal Wisdom
Humans have an instinct to feel safe in large numbers. We may feel anxious alone, but think everything will work out if many people are involved.
This psychology has been carved into us since ancient times.
But this proverb has been passed down through generations because our ancestors learned from experience. That instinctive sense of safety can sometimes become a huge pitfall.
The larger the group, the harder it becomes to maintain discipline. Individual responsibility weakens. People start thinking someone else will handle things.
Without clear leadership or shared purpose, the group becomes just a mob. This is an unavoidable aspect of human nature.
What’s interesting is that this proverb doesn’t just reject the idea that “more is better.” It uses the word “relying,” pointing out the danger of depending on numbers.
True strength comes not from quantity but from quality, discipline, and shared understanding of purpose.
Humans are weak beings, which is why we form groups. But for those groups to show real power, simply gathering isn’t enough.
Our ancestors expressed this universal truth through the familiar example of a crow flock. They continue to pass this wisdom down to us.
When AI Hears This
When crows flock together, their strength doesn’t simply equal “1 crow + 1 crow = 2 crows’ worth of power.” According to Lanchester’s Square Law, group combat power equals “quality × quantity squared.”
This means 10 crows together don’t have 10 times the power of one crow—they have 100 times the power. Why does this happen?
The reason is “simultaneous attack advantage.” In a one-on-one fight, the opponent can fight back. But in a 10-versus-1 situation, while the opponent fights back against one attacker, the other 9 can attack without taking damage.
Even more important is that the enemy must divide attention among multiple threats. The human brain works the same way.
You can focus on one task, but with 10 simultaneous tasks, your processing ability drops to less than one-tenth. Crow flocks exploit this cognitive limitation.
However, this law has a trap. When numbers grow too large, “coordination costs” emerge. Who attacks first? From which direction? How do we avoid accidentally attacking our own?
If coordination fails, the numerical advantage becomes worthless. Animal behavior research confirms that flock size has an optimal value. Beyond that point, efficiency drops.
In other words, the crow strategy of relying on numbers is a tug-of-war between the square effect and coordination costs. Simply gathering isn’t enough.
Maintaining maximum numbers within the range of effective coordination—this delicate balance is the essence of flocking.
Lessons for Today
In modern society, we easily get distracted by numbers and size. Social media followers, meeting attendees, project team members.
But this proverb teaches us that what truly matters isn’t quantity—it’s quality and discipline.
When you join a team or gather people as a leader, first consider these questions. “Is there a clear purpose?” “Are everyone’s roles clear?” “Is communication working?”
Abandon the illusion that large numbers bring safety. Aim for a small but well-coordinated group. This leads to real results.
This proverb’s teaching is especially important when you’re part of a large organization. Clearly understand your role. Share the overall purpose. Coordinate with other members.
When each person maintains this awareness, the group becomes a true team with real power, not just a mob. Don’t rely on numbers—improve quality.
That is the timeless wisdom this proverb offers to those of us living in the modern world.
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