How to Read “欲と二人連れ”
Yoku to futarizure
Meaning of “欲と二人連れ”
“Desire and two people companion” is a proverb that expresses how desire constantly follows humans wherever they go.
This expression skillfully depicts the essential nature of humanity by comparing desire to a travel companion. It points out human weakness—how even when we set out with the purest of hearts, desire inevitably shows its face. For example, it’s used in situations where actions begun with good intentions gradually become self-serving, or when what started as pure-hearted help for others turns into expecting something in return.
This proverb is mainly used when reflecting on one’s own actions or when discussing human nature. It’s not meant to criticize others, but rather is often used with self-reflection, acknowledging the common weakness that all humans share. Even in modern times, the profound insight of these words is understood when expressing the complexity of being unable to act on pure motives alone in business situations and human relationships.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Desire and two people companion,” the current situation is that no clear literary evidence has been found. However, looking at the structure of this proverb, it’s highly likely that it emerged from common folk culture during the Edo period.
The expression “two people companion” was a common concept in travel and commerce during the Edo period. This was because acting in pairs was considered safer and more efficient than acting alone. Merchants often traveled in groups when transporting goods, preparing for bandits and accidents.
What makes this proverb interesting is how it personifies “desire” and expresses it as a “companion.” Literary works and rakugo storytelling of the Edo period often used techniques that personified emotions and concepts. By depicting the abstract concept of “desire” as a familiar presence like a travel companion, it likely made human psychological states easier to understand.
Additionally, the Edo period was an era when commerce developed and interest in money increased even among common people. Against this social background, it’s presumed that such expressions naturally emerged as moral lessons warning against human greed. The sound of the words is also memorable and formed in a way that easily spread through oral tradition.
Usage Examples
- I started volunteer work, but with desire and two people companion, I ended up being conscious of networking
- I thought I wanted to pursue art purely, but with desire and two people companion, I found myself seeking fame before I knew it
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Desire and two people companion” has come to have more complex and multifaceted meanings. In today’s SNS era, we constantly face new forms of desire such as “likes” and “follower counts.” The psychology of somehow expecting reactions even when making well-intentioned posts is exactly the human essence that this proverb demonstrates.
In the business world, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities are gaining attention, but behind them also exists the calculation of improving corporate image. There’s a reality where the desire for profit accompanies environmental protection and social contribution efforts. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—it could rather be said to be a necessary aspect for sustainable social contribution.
On an individual level, amid the side job boom and investment boom, the ideal of “making your passion your work” and the desire to “make money” are complexly intertwined. Even people active as creators face the reality of simultaneously harboring pure expressive desires and wishes for monetization.
In modern times, rather than completely denying this “desire,” wisdom for skillfully coexisting with it is required. Having the self-control to acknowledge desire while not being manipulated by it has become a new challenge for modern people.
When AI Hears This
“Traveling with desire” in the digital age has evolved in completely different forms from traditional monetary greed or material desires. What’s most fascinating is that this new “companion” lurks in our pockets 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The average smartphone usage time is about 7 hours per day. This means we spend nearly half our waking hours with some form of “digital craving.” For example, on Instagram, over 80% of people check for “likes” most frequently within the first 30 minutes after posting. This is evidence that a new “companion” called the need for approval is controlling our behavior in real time.
Even more surprising is that the usage rate of “one-click purchase” features in online shopping continues to rise year after year. As Amazon founder Bezos said, “reducing clicks by just one dramatically increases sales,” digital technology is intentionally eliminating the “thinking time” that once existed between our desires and actions.
In other words, modern “traveling with desire” doesn’t even allow for the kind of internal struggle we once had over “whether to resist what we want.” A system where instantaneous cravings immediately translate into action has become deeply embedded in our daily lives.
Lessons for Today
What “Desire and two people companion” teaches modern people is the courage to accept the desires within ourselves. Rather than trying to become a perfect saint and blaming ourselves, acknowledging that “desire comes along too” can actually lighten our hearts.
What’s important is developing a sense of balance that acknowledges the existence of desire while not being dominated by it. For example, when helping others, it’s fine to have feelings of “wanting to be appreciated.” That desire can sometimes become the driving force that enables continuous action.
In modern society, new forms of “desire” are constantly emerging, such as the need for approval on SNS and income desires from side jobs. Rather than trying to eliminate all of these as bad things, how about facing them with an attitude of “let’s work hard together with desire today”?
Ultimately, humanity might not lie in perfection, but in the figure that moves forward while embracing contradictions. Because we have desire as a travel companion, our lives are complex and sometimes difficult, but they become that much richer and more flavorful.
Comments