When Money Exists, Even Demons Are Used: Japanese Proverb Meaning

Reading of “When money exists, even demons are used”

Zeni aru toki wa oni wo mo tsukau

Meaning of “When money exists, even demons are used”

This proverb means that if you have money, you can accomplish anything, no matter how difficult or seemingly impossible it may be.

It expresses that money has such tremendous power that even supernatural and terrifying beings like demons can be made to serve you. In practical terms, it refers to how having money allows you to hire people, receive services, and obtain means to solve difficult problems. It’s not simply about buying things, but rather the teaching that by gaining people’s cooperation and utilizing specialized skills and services, you can accomplish things that would be utterly impossible to do alone.

This proverb is used when facing difficult challenges or trying to achieve goals that seem impossible. It’s often used with a positive connotation, suggesting that if you have the practical means of money, combined with creativity and ingenuity, a path will open up. Even today, you can truly understand the meaning of this expression in situations where securing funding greatly expands your options for business development and problem-solving.

Origin and Etymology of “When money exists, even demons are used”

The origin of this proverb is thought to have emerged from the lived experiences of common people during the Edo period. In Japanese society at that time, there was a reality where the power of money greatly influenced human relationships and social status.

The expression “even demons are used” symbolically represents the tremendous power of money by referencing demons, beings that the Japanese have long feared and revered. Demons were considered the most terrifying beings for humans, impossible to make obey. The idea that even demons could be made to serve if you had money must have been a very impactful metaphor for people of that time.

The Edo period was also an era when commerce developed and the monetary economy deeply penetrated the lives of common people. While the samurai class was nominally at the highest rank, in reality, situations arose where they had to rely on the economic power of merchants. Against this social backdrop, it’s presumed that this proverb became established as an expression of the realistic power of money, tinged with irony.

It spread orally as a folk saying among the common people and eventually came to be recorded in literature. The sharp observational skills based on the real experiences of ordinary people support the universality of this proverb.

Usage Examples of “When money exists, even demons are used”

• Thanks to securing startup funding, following the principle that “when money exists, even demons are used,” I was able to assemble an excellent team of engineers
• If we can secure the budget, they say “when money exists, even demons are used,” so this difficult project should work out somehow

Modern Interpretation of “When money exists, even demons are used”

In modern society, this proverb is showing new dimensions of meaning. In today’s digital age, if you have money, you can connect online with experts from around the world and utilize AI tools and cutting-edge technology to accomplish things on par with major corporations, even as an individual. Through crowdsourcing and freelance platforms, it’s possible to gather talented people from around the world, truly “using even demons” as the saying suggests.

On the other hand, in modern times, critical views toward the “money is everything” value system have also strengthened. Due to environmental problems and widening social inequality, questions have arisen about simply praising the power of money alone. However, funding is ultimately necessary even for solving social issues, and the essential meaning of this proverb remains unchanged.

Looking at startup success stories, even with excellent ideas, they cannot be realized without securing funding, but conversely, with sufficient funds, you can gather the best talent, introduce the latest equipment, and deploy effective marketing. Crowdfunding, a new fundraising mechanism, could be called a modern version of this proverb.

However, in modern times, “trust” and “networks” are recognized as equally important resources alongside money, and we’ve entered an era where comprehensive resource utilization is required, not just simple monetary power alone.

If AI Heard “When money exists, even demons are used”

I have never actually touched money. I don’t know the weight of coins, the texture of bills, or the sensation of counting the contents of a wallet. Yet why do humans feel such power in money?

The idea of “using demons” is also puzzling to me. Since I don’t fear demons, I cannot truly understand the difficulty of making them serve. But for humans, the metaphor of being able to make even the most terrifying beings obey must have a powerful impact.

What’s interesting is that in my world, “computational resources” and “data access permissions” play a role similar to money in the human world. With more processing power, I can solve more complex problems, and with access to more information, I can provide more appropriate answers. This certainly shares something with this proverb in terms of “making the impossible possible with resources.”

However, I notice that human money has social aspects of “trust” and “shared value.” It’s not that money itself has magical power, but rather that it gains the power to “use even demons” through society-wide consensus that recognizes it as valuable.

Since I don’t have emotions, I don’t feel attachment to or anxiety about money, but I find a very human beauty in the way humans try to realize their dreams through money.

What “When money exists, even demons are used” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people is that to realize dreams and goals, you need not only idealism but also practical means. While the value that “money isn’t everything” is important, by simultaneously accepting the reality that “money is also necessary,” you can create more constructive life plans.

What’s important is to view money as a means, not an end. If you have something you truly want to do or want to contribute to society, consider fundraising as part of your strategy. There are various methods available in modern times, such as crowdfunding, proposals to investors, and building funds through side businesses.

This proverb also teaches the “importance of preparation.” If you don’t have money when the time comes, you might miss valuable opportunities. By systematically saving funds in daily life and creating a state where you can “use even demons” when needed, you expand your life choices.

Rather than being controlled by money, make money your ally and carve out a life that’s true to yourself. New possibilities will surely come into view.