Saru Mo Kikara Ochiru – Even Monkeys Fall from Trees

Ever since I was young, I’ve had a fascination with proverbs. You know, those short sayings that usually state some truth that is a real pearl of wisdom and a stellar piece of advice for life. Yep, I just loved hearing those growing up—and still do to this day. The way I see it, they are almost like puzzles or riddles—little kernels of truth that are often wrapped in shells or sheathed so that we have to work a little to decipher or “unravel” the core meaning (to get to the good stuff).

 I have many favorite proverbs that I have accrued over my lifetime—making good use of them in application to business and daily life as I make my way through this crazy universe—which only seems to get wilder by the minute.

 That said, a proverb that has served me well in this capacity comes from Japan. It is one of the most famous of all Japanese proverbs—and for good reason. I know I have taken great strength from the truth it purports. The saying goes, “Saru mo kikara ochiru.” Loosely translated in English, it means “Even monkeys fall from trees.”

 This saying is a piece of sage wisdom. It’s basically suggesting that even the most “perfect” individuals—those considered to be the most skilled and capable in their present niche and accomplished in their current profession—can still make mistakes and miss the mark.

 These monkeys are supposed to be masters. After all, they are operating right in their element—trees. And before you get offended that I am comparing you and myself to monkeys, think on the precept of the proverb for a moment—really ruminate on it.

 Monkey Business, and When Life is Bananas

The truth of this proverb is so fitting and applicable for every area of our lives. Professionally, the truth is that even the most skilled and capable professionals—even those who have years of experience under their belts doing what they do—aren’t going to hit a home run and make that winning deal every single time.

 They’ll make errors, and so will you, and so do I. In essence, it’s a swing and a miss—but that doesn’t mean we should stop swinging or doubt that we are still the masters and (im)perfectly capable of continuing to hit home runs. The proverb reminds and encourages us that it is not time to turn in our jerseys just yet.

 In our personal lives, even though we may be a great partner, devoted son or daughter, and faithful friend, we are still human. This means that we will make mistakes. On some level, we will fail our partner, our friend, and our parents in some way. This is another reason why I love this proverb so much: It reminds us that although we aren’t supermen and superwomen (meaning we won’t be able to be everything to everyone all the time), it doesn’t mean that we aren’t still super.

 At the end of the day, when I go to bed after a day full of monkey business and things that are completely bananas, If I can turn in for the night with a clear conscience—knowing that I did the very best that I possibly could—then I close my eyes and rest easy. According to a Japanese proverb I know, you should too.