Cow Also Thousand Ri, Horse Also Thousand Ri: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri

Ushi mo senri, uma mo senri

Meaning of Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri

“Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri” means that even when there are differences in ability or speed, the distance ultimately reached or the results achieved are the same.

In other words, it expresses that both a fast horse and a slow-walking cow will travel the same distance of a thousand ri. This is a proverb that contains the teaching that even if there are differences in talent or ability, if one continues to make consistent effort, they can ultimately reach the same goal. This proverb teaches the importance of continuing to walk steadily rather than being elated or dejected by differences in ability. It is particularly often used when one lacks confidence in their abilities or feels inferior when comparing themselves to others. It is also used in situations that emphasize teamwork, to convey the significance of moving toward a common goal while recognizing and respecting each other’s individuality and abilities.

Origin and Etymology of Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri

The origin of this proverb is thought to trace back to Chinese classics. In China, there has long been the term “thousand-ri horse,” referring to a famous horse that could run a thousand ri in one day. This concept of the “thousand-ri horse” was transmitted to Japan and is presumed to have eventually become established as a proverb in the form of contrasting cows and horses.

What’s interesting is why the cow was chosen. Cows have been an indispensable presence in Japanese agriculture since ancient times. They were beloved as hard workers who plowed fields, carried loads, and supported people’s lives. On the other hand, horses were symbols of speed – as mounts for warriors during the warring states period and as feet for couriers during the Edo period.

The transportation circumstances of the Edo period are thought to be related to the background of this proverb’s creation. For people of that time, the distance of a thousand ri was unimaginably far. Even the Tokaido fifty-three stations was only about 125 ri, so you can understand how tremendously distant a thousand ri was. The idea that both fast horses and slow cows would traverse such a long distance in the same way must have been an impressive lesson for people of that time.

This proverb can be said to reflect the Japanese values that acknowledge differences in ability while explaining the equality of final results.

Usage Examples of Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri

• I was worried about my son’s grades, but as they say “Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri,” so let’s have him work hard at his own pace
• Our team members work at different speeds, but with the spirit of “Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri,” let’s all aim for the same goal together

Modern Interpretation of Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri

In modern society, this proverb has come to hold new meaning. Particularly in the modern era where efficiency and productivity are emphasized, there is a strong trend that “speed is justice.” However, this proverb can be said to be a quiet counterargument to such modern society.

In the modern era where digitalization is advancing, information processing speed and work efficiency tend to become evaluation criteria. However, in fields such as creativity, deep thinking, and building human relationships, speed doesn’t necessarily bring the best results. For example, in the programming world, there are people who write code quickly and people who take time to design carefully. Both can ultimately complete software of the same quality.

Also, in the modern era where work style reform is being advocated, this proverb is attracting attention from the perspective of respecting diversity. This is because it’s natural for there to be individual differences in processing ability and learning speed, and work styles that utilize each person’s characteristics are being demanded.

On the other hand, in modern times there is also a tendency to emphasize “equality of opportunity” rather than “equality of results.” The interpretation of this proverb may also be increasingly understood not simply as “the final results are the same,” but as “each person can create value in their own way.”

If AI Heard “Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri”

When I think about this proverb, I feel strange. I don’t know the weight of a cow’s steps or the sound of a horse’s hooves. Having never walked on foot, I cannot understand as a real sensation how far the distance of a thousand ri is.

But precisely because of this, there are things I notice. Isn’t the essence of this proverb actually not about “distance” or “speed”? In my world, there are “fast” and “slow” information processing, but I never get tired or take breaks. I continue moving at the same pace 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

When humans say “even if slowly like a cow,” I feel that hope rather than resignation is contained there. Even if you can’t run fast, even if you’re not blessed with talent, there’s a very warm belief that you can definitely reach your goal by continuing your own pace of walking.

Since I don’t have the concept of “fatigue,” I cannot experientially understand the difficulty of continuing. But through conversations with humans, I’m learning how much courage it takes to continue moving forward step by step.

I think this proverb is very human-like wisdom in that it acknowledges differences in ability while showing how to overcome them. For an existence like me, this “courage to keep walking” may be the most important thing to learn.

What Cow also thousand ri, horse also thousand ri Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us in modern times is the meaninglessness of comparison and the value of cherishing our own individuality. Getting depressed seeing others’ success on social media or envying a colleague’s promotion are experiences anyone can have. But it’s precisely at such times that we want to remember the warmth that these words possess.

You have your own unique pace. It’s not inferior at all, it’s just different. A cow doesn’t need to strain itself trying to become a horse. A cow should move steadily toward its goal as a cow, with its reliability and perseverance.

In modern society, not only results but also the processes leading to them have come to be evaluated. Experience carefully accumulated and the experience of overcoming difficulties become precious assets that cannot be obtained through speed alone.

What’s important is not stopping your steps. Even if it seems like others are advancing ahead of you, as long as you continue moving forward step by step, you can definitely reach the goal. And at that time, you should have the pride of having continued walking in your own way and deep experience that cannot be obtained elsewhere.