How to Read “When the enemy nation falls, the scheming retainers perish”
tekikoku yaburete bōshin horobu
Meaning of “When the enemy nation falls, the scheming retainers perish”
This proverb describes a harsh reality of power. After defeating an enemy nation, the capable advisors who helped win the war often get eliminated as unnecessary.
During wartime, skilled strategists are essential to their ruler. Their wisdom and tactics lead to victory. But when peace arrives, their abilities become a threat.
The ruler starts to worry. These advisors are too smart, too influential. What if they use their power against me? This fear leads to suspicion.
The proverb applies to organizations and projects today. People who shine during crises sometimes get pushed aside after success. Leaders prioritize self-preservation over gratitude.
This saying reveals a sharp truth about human nature. It shows how those in power fear the very people who helped them succeed.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb likely comes from Chinese historical texts and philosophy. The “Han Feizi” and “Records of the Grand Historian” contain stories that influenced this saying.
These books record power struggles from the Warring States period through the Han dynasty. They show a repeating pattern in history.
During times of war, brilliant military strategists were highly valued. They planned battles, handled diplomacy, and guided rulers to victory.
But once the enemy fell and peace came, these same talents became dangerous. Their competence made rulers nervous about their own positions.
Chinese history offers many examples of this pattern. Han Xin served Liu Bang and defeated Xiang Yu. He was the key to victory.
Yet after the empire was unified, Han Xin was accused of treason and executed. His success became his downfall.
Another example is Fan Li, who served King Goujian of Yue. After destroying the state of Wu, Fan Li wisely withdrew from service. He escaped the fate of other successful advisors.
The proverb captures these historical lessons in simple words. Those essential in war become threats in peace. This cold logic of power repeats throughout history.
Usage Examples
- The department head saved the failing project, but got transferred once the company recovered. It’s truly “When the enemy nation falls, the scheming retainers perish.”
- He was the hero who saved us from crisis, but now that business is stable, they treat him like a nuisance. This is exactly “When the enemy nation falls, the scheming retainers perish.”
Universal Wisdom
This proverb endures because it reveals fundamental truths about power and human nature. During difficult times, we rely on talented people. But when the crisis passes, those same talents create anxiety.
This isn’t just about ingratitude. People in power have a basic drive to protect their position. Capable subordinates are both helpful allies and potential rivals.
Those who achieve great things during crises earn respect and trust. This makes them even more threatening to those above them.
Interestingly, this pattern appears worldwide, not just in Asia. Roman emperors eliminated war heroes. Medieval European kings feared successful generals.
This happens across all cultures and eras. It reflects something universal about human psychology and power dynamics.
The proverb teaches us about human duality. We cooperate during hardship. We help each other survive. But when danger passes, we start watching each other with suspicion.
Talking about ideals is easy. But real human relationships involve complex emotions. Fear, gratitude, ambition, and suspicion all mix together.
Understanding this doesn’t make us cynical. It makes us realistic. We can navigate relationships better when we understand these underlying forces.
When AI Hears This
During wartime, the advisor and ruler face a “mutual destruction” scenario. With an external enemy threatening both, betrayal becomes irrational.
If the advisor betrays the ruler while enemies attack, both likely perish. The expected value of betrayal is negative. Cooperation becomes the rational choice.
Game theory calls this a “repeated game.” When the relationship continues into the future, cooperation emerges naturally. Both sides benefit from working together.
But the moment the enemy falls, the game structure changes dramatically. No external threat remains. Now it becomes a “zero-sum game” over limited resources.
What the ruler gains, the advisor loses. What the advisor gains, the ruler loses. The more capable the advisor, the bigger the threat.
A strategically brilliant advisor can also plan a brilliant coup. In game theory terms, they possess a “credible threat.” They have real power to challenge the ruler.
From the ruler’s perspective, eliminating the advisor maximizes long-term expected value. Organizational theory suggests that when member abilities are too high, internal competition costs exceed benefits.
The irony is sharp. The advisor’s competence defeated the enemy. But that same competence becomes dangerous in peacetime.
The external environment that supported cooperation disappears. The same abilities that brought victory now trigger elimination. The game changed, and so did the optimal strategy.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches you to recognize your value accurately and think about timing. Your contributions during difficult times won’t necessarily be appreciated forever.
When situations change, the roles people need also change. Success in one phase doesn’t guarantee success in the next.
If you’re in the “advisor” position, assess your standing after achieving goals. Don’t get drunk on past achievements. Stay flexible and redefine your role for new circumstances.
If you’re a leader, remember those who helped you through hard times. Show the maturity to use their abilities in new situations. Gratitude and wisdom go together.
Don’t view this reality pessimistically. Instead, use it as wisdom for navigating life. Understand how organizations and relationships actually work.
Your value isn’t fixed to one place or one role. The key to long-term success is reading changing situations. Find where your strengths can shine.
Smart people adapt. They see when the game is changing and adjust their strategy. This awareness protects you and helps you thrive in any environment.
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