How to Read “杖に縋るとも人に縋るな”
Tsue ni sugaru tomo hito ni sugaru na
Meaning of “杖に縋るとも人に縋るな”
This proverb teaches that even if you become physically disabled and need a walking stick, you should not live by completely depending on others.
It clearly shows the difference between relying on physical tools and depending on people. A walking stick is merely an assistive device that you use according to your own will. However, clinging to people means entrusting your judgment and decisions to others.
This proverb is used when facing difficult situations or when you feel like wanting to rely on someone. It contains a strong message that even as you age and your physical strength declines, or when illness prevents your body from moving as you wish, you should maintain your mental independence.
Even in modern times, this teaching holds deep meaning. Using necessary support or tools is not shameful. Rather, it teaches us the importance of maintaining your own way of life while skillfully utilizing these resources. Preserving human dignity and pride until the very end can be said to be true strength.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is not certain, but it is considered an ancient teaching that has been used since the Edo period. The expression “cling to a staff” depicts the state of relying on a walking stick when one’s body becomes disabled.
In the society of that time, becoming old and physically weak was an unavoidable reality. When legs and hips became weak, a walking stick became necessary, and this was accepted as natural. However, relying on people had a different meaning altogether.
In Japan of this era, an independent way of life was valued. Due to the influence of bushido, causing trouble for others was considered shameful. In particular, preserving one’s dignity and pride as a human being was considered important.
The word “sugaru” (cling) is used to mean desperately clinging to something or completely depending on it. This teaching was born by contrasting a walking stick as physical support with dependence on people as mental and social dependence.
Our ancestors had a strong belief that while physical decline was unavoidable, mental independence should be maintained until the very end. This value system has been passed down to the present day.
Interesting Facts
Since ancient times, walking sticks have been not merely walking aids but also symbols of authority and wisdom. The staffs held by ancient Egyptian pharaohs and Western wizards are often depicted as proof of power. In Japan too, the khakkhara (ringed staff) carried by Buddhist monks was a tool for training and also carried the meaning of spiritual support.
The kanji character for “sugaru” (cling) originally consists of the “thread” radical and the character meaning “to hang down.” This expresses the state of hanging from a thread in complete dependence, a kanji that visually represents a state of total reliance.
Usage Examples
- Even when my father’s legs became bad, with the spirit of “Even if you cling to a staff, do not cling to people,” he tried to do things for himself until the very end
- Especially in times of trouble, I remember the words “Even if you cling to a staff, do not cling to people” and try not to depend on others even while using tools
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, new perspectives have emerged in interpreting this proverb. As our aging society progresses, while the enhancement of care and support services is demanded, the challenge of how to preserve individual dignity has come to the forefront.
With the advancement of technology, numerous support tools that could be called “modern walking sticks” have appeared. Wheelchairs, hearing aids, smartphone apps, AI voice assistants—all of these are tools that complement our abilities. Following the spirit of this proverb, actively utilizing these tools should be encouraged.
However, with the spread of social media, mental dependence on people has become a new problem. The phenomenon of seeking others’ approval too much or becoming anxious when not constantly connected to someone could be said to be exactly a state of “clinging to people.”
On the other hand, in modern times, “the importance of relying on people” is also being reconsidered. The value of teamwork and cooperation is emphasized, and the dangers of trying to handle everything alone are also pointed out. The “do not cling to people” shown by this proverb does not mean complete isolation, but teaches us the importance of receiving appropriate support while maintaining our own will and judgment.
What may be important for modern people is the sense of balance of skillfully utilizing tools and services while making final decisions ourselves.
When AI Hears This
This proverb appears to directly contradict the modern psychological concept of “healthy interdependence,” but it actually reveals surprisingly sharp insights about the nature of dependency itself.
While modern psychology considers moderate mutual dependence in relationships to be healthy, this proverb prioritizes dependence on objects over people for one key reason: the “predictability” of dependence. A walking stick always responds consistently to the user’s intentions, while humans are unpredictable variables whose reactions change based on emotions, interests, and circumstances.
What’s fascinating is how this proverb redefines “independence.” We typically understand independence as “not relying on anything,” but here it’s redefined as “relying on predictable and controllable support.” In other words, true independence isn’t complete isolation, but rather the ability to appropriately choose what we depend on.
Digging deeper, the danger of clinging to people lies in the “possibility of being controlled.” Dependence in human relationships often creates power dynamics that constrain the dependent party’s free will. In contrast, dependence on objects is an instrumental relationship that allows the user to maintain their autonomy.
Though this proverb may sound cold at first, it actually teaches two forms of wisdom simultaneously: consideration for others by saying “solve your problems through your own responsibility without dragging others in,” and self-protection by advocating “if you must depend on something, do it in a way that doesn’t compromise your agency.” Even in our modern interdependent society, this perspective on discerning the “quality of dependence” remains extremely important.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is what true independence means. Independence is not about perfectly handling everything alone. True strength lies in continuing to walk your own path in life while wisely using necessary tools and services.
In modern society, various support systems are in place. Rather than rejecting them as “weakness,” please actively utilize them as tools to expand your possibilities. What’s important is that you hold the final decision-making power and responsibility.
This sense of balance is also important in human relationships. It’s natural to consult others when in trouble or seek advice. However, it’s different to abandon your ability to think for yourself and entrust everything to others.
You have your own “uniqueness” that should be preserved no matter what situation you find yourself in. That is a treasure that belongs only to you and can never be taken away by anyone. While skillfully using tools and support, please continue to carefully nurture that treasure. That is the modern way of living that this proverb teaches.
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