How to Read “我が物食うて主の力持ち”
Waga mono kuute aruji no chikaramochi
Meaning of “我が物食うて主の力持ち”
This proverb represents a seemingly contradictory yet actually rational relationship where one eats what is given by others to gain strength, then uses that strength to work for that person.
It is commonly used in employment relationships or master-disciple relationships when objectively viewing the position of the recipient of support. For example, situations where company employees eat meals at company expense to build physical strength and then work for the company with that strength, or scenes where disciples train diligently while being supported by their masters.
The reason for using this expression is that it can succinctly express the interdependent relationship where even relationships that appear to benefit the recipient are actually profitable for the provider as well. In modern times, this phrase is understood not merely in a negative sense, but rather as a word expressing healthy mutually beneficial relationships. It demonstrates a rational way of human relationships that Japanese people have understood since ancient times, which could be called the prototype of win-win relationships.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is thought to trace back to the servant system of the Edo period. In the samurai and merchant households of that time, many servants worked as live-in help, and it was common for their meals to be provided by their masters.
What’s interesting is that this expression was not mere sarcasm, but a realistic observation reflecting the social structure of the time. The servants indeed ate their master’s rice and vegetables to build physical strength, then worked for their master with that strength. In other words, there was a structure where the master’s property—food—would eventually return as profit for the master.
This proverb likely became widely used from the mid-Edo period onward. As commerce developed and the servant system became common, it is thought to have become established as a phrase expressing the complexity and contradictions of master-servant relationships.
Similar situations also existed in rural areas. Tenant farmers would eat rice grown on the landlord’s land to gain strength, then work again for the landlord with that strength. In this way, the essence of this proverb was to express phenomena seen in various scenes of feudal society with concise and memorable words.
Interesting Facts
The expression “chikaramochi” (possessing strength) that appears in this proverb did not mean “person who does physical labor” as in modern times, but in the Edo period referred broadly to “demonstrating strength” and “working” in general. In other words, it expressed a wide range of work including not only physical labor but also intellectual work.
Interestingly, the structure of this proverb is very similar to the concept of “investment and recovery” in modern economics. It shows that people of the Edo period intuitively understood the extremely rational economic activity of masters investing in food and recovering it as servants’ labor power.
Usage Examples
- I’m studying with the company’s training budget, and I’m working hard thinking it’s truly “I eat my own things and possess master’s strength”
- I’m attending university on a scholarship, which is exactly a situation of “I eat my own things and possess master’s strength”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more multi-layered. Beyond the traditional master-servant relationship interpretation, it is increasingly viewed as a symbol of mutual benefit and sustainable relationships.
Particularly in corporate human resource development, this concept holds important meaning. The cycle where companies invest in employee education costs and welfare benefits, employees receive these benefits and grow, and as a result contribute to improving company performance, can truly be called the modern version of “I eat my own things and possess master’s strength.”
In the IT industry, this relationship has evolved further. The flow where companies provide the latest equipment and learning environments, engineers utilize these to improve their skills and create innovative services, represents a new form of interdependent relationship in the knowledge society.
On the other hand, in modern times the concept of “exploitation” has also emerged, and more critical perspectives exist regarding the relationships this proverb embodies. However, it’s important to understand that the original spirit of the proverb expresses healthy relationships that benefit both parties, not one-sided exploitation.
In modern times when freelancing and side jobs are increasing, many people have multiple “masters,” and the scope of application for this proverb has also expanded.
When AI Hears This
The Edo period servants’ sarcastic saying “eating one’s own food to build the master’s strength” has a surprisingly similar structure to modern “exploitation through purpose.”
Behind the commonly heard workplace phrases “let’s work hard for the company” and “I find this work fulfilling” lies a cleverly hidden mechanism. When employees dedicate their time and effort to the company, they end up increasing the profits of management. Examples include working long hours without overtime pay under the guise of “personal growth,” or working on weekends in the name of “teamwork.”
What’s fascinating is that both Edo period servants and modern office workers are made to believe they’re doing it “for themselves.” Servants were told it was “good training,” while modern people are told they can “develop their skills.” In reality, however, both systems prioritize the interests of the master or company above all else.
According to a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey, about 30% of Japanese workers accept low wages and long working hours because of “fulfillment.” This is exactly the same psychological state as servants from 400 years ago. Even as times change, the fundamental structure of making people work remains unchanged. This proverb sharply illustrates why modern work style reforms are necessary.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is the importance of healthy interdependent relationships. All of us grow by receiving someone’s support, and contribute to society with that grown strength.
In modern society, “independence” tends to be emphasized, but no one exists living in complete independence. Company employees grow using company resources, students learn in school environments, and children are raised with parental love. What’s important is not taking that support for granted, but continuing to have a grateful heart.
Also, not only the perspective of those receiving support, but also the perspective of those providing it is important. Investing in people will eventually return to oneself. We want to have the mental capacity to believe in this cycle and generously support others.
Modern give-and-take relationships also connect to the spirit of this proverb. Returning received benefits to society in another form. Within such warm circulation, we can build richer lives. Let each person become a bearer of this beautiful cycle without forgetting a grateful heart.
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