How to Read “牛は牛連れ、馬は馬連れ”
Ushi wa ushi dzure, uma wa uma dzure
Meaning of “牛は牛連れ、馬は馬連れ”
This proverb expresses the fundamental human tendency for people with similar circumstances or characteristics to naturally gather together and act in unison.
This is not meant in an exclusive sense, but rather describes the natural affinity that humans possess. People in the same profession, those with the same hobbies, or those with similar values tend to gather together because they can easily understand each other and feel a sense of security. The phenomenon where people with similar educational backgrounds, social status, or age groups naturally form groups can also be explained by this principle.
This proverb is used when explaining the natural flow of human relationships. It’s employed when understanding why certain people became close friends or why specific groups form. It’s also used as a comforting expression meaning “that’s natural” when someone struggles to get along with people of different natures. Even in modern times, this law applies sufficiently to workplace team formation and friendship development, expressing a universal human psychology.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “Cow leads cow, horse leads horse” is based on livestock behavior that has been observed in Japan’s rural society since ancient times. Large livestock such as cattle and horses tend to form herds with animals of the same species, which was an instinctive behavioral pattern from their wild days.
This proverb is said to have appeared in literature during the Edo period, when cattle and horses were familiar presences as valuable labor forces in the agricultural society of that time. Farmers, through daily contact with these animals, witnessed firsthand how cattle naturally stayed close to other cattle, and horses to other horses.
What’s particularly interesting is that while this expression originated from simple observation of animal behavior, it developed into a metaphor explaining the complex human relationships in human society. The strict class system of Edo period society is thought to have influenced the establishment of this proverb.
The word “tsure” (leads/accompanies) is also important, as it doesn’t simply mean being together, but includes the active nuance of naturally attracting each other and acting together. This proverb was born as life-rooted wisdom based on the actual experiences of people who raised livestock in rural villages.
Interesting Facts
While this proverb contrasts cattle and horses, the actual personalities of cattle and horses are quite different. Cattle are social animals that prefer to act in herds and dislike being separated from their companions. Horses, on the other hand, form herds but have greater individual differences than cattle, with some horses sometimes preferring solitary behavior.
In Edo period rural villages, cattle were mainly used for rice field cultivation, while horses were used for transporting goods and as means of transportation. Therefore, farmers observed the habits of both animals well, and it’s thought that this proverb was born with these differences in mind.
Usage Examples
- Even in the new department, I ended up becoming friends with people who had similar previous jobs – it’s true that cow leads cow, horse leads horse
- The mothers I met through my child’s extracurricular activities also follow the principle of cow leads cow, horse leads horse, with people of similar values gathering together
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. With the spread of social media, it has become easier for people of the “same type” to connect beyond physical distances. While we can find people with matching hobbies and values from around the world, this has also created the “echo chamber phenomenon” where people only interact with those who think similarly.
In workplace environments too, the spread of remote work has changed the traditional concept of physical “companionship.” Even without being in the same office, there’s a stronger tendency for people with similar project natures or specialized fields to naturally form groups online.
However, in modern times where diversity and inclusion are valued, perspectives on this proverb’s aspect of “affinity toward homogeneity” are also changing. While it’s natural for similar people to gather, there’s also growing recognition that collaboration with people from different backgrounds generates innovation.
With advancing globalization, the scope of “cow leads cow” has also expanded. It has become commonplace for people with the same specialized fields or values to connect across borders, even if they differ in nationality or culture. While this proverb expresses fundamental human nature, the definition of that “homogeneity” continues to evolve with the times.
When AI Hears This
Social media algorithms are designed to prioritize “similar posts” based on users’ past behavioral data. This is the modern embodiment of “birds of a feather flock together.” According to Facebook research, approximately 70% of the information users see comes from people who share similar viewpoints.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the acceleration of this phenomenon. Traditional “like attracts like” had physical constraints that still left opportunities for contact with diverse people. However, AI algorithms learn user preferences 24/7, 365 days a year, gathering only “similar types” with increasing precision.
The frightening aspect of the echo chamber phenomenon is how difficult it becomes to realize you’re in a biased information environment. Just as cattle find comfort within their herd, humans who hear only similar opinions begin to mistake these views for universal common sense. During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, many people were shocked by the “unexpected results” – a perfect product of echo chambers.
There’s an irony in how animal behaviors observed by ancient people are being reproduced even more powerfully in human digital society. With technological advancement, we may be trapping ourselves in increasingly narrow “cages of similarity.”
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us modern people is the importance of “naturalness” in human relationships. Rather than exhausting ourselves trying to get along with incompatible people, it reminds us of the value of cherishing those who share our wavelength.
At the same time, this teaching also shows the importance of accepting ourselves. The relationships with people you’re naturally drawn to are the places where you can best express your true self. This doesn’t mean becoming closed-off; rather, having a secure foundation allows you to open your heart to new encounters.
While modern society demands diversity, this doesn’t mean denying your essential nature. Having the security of “cow leads cow” while sometimes enjoying encounters with “horses” too – having this kind of balanced sense might be the secret to building rich human relationships.
You too can cherish the people who are of the “same type” as yourself, while using those bonds as a foundation to step out into new worlds. That is the most natural and most sustainable method of growth.
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