Proverb / Kotowaza
墨守
Firmly adhering to old customs, traditions, or personal opinions without willingness to change.
to defend like Mozi
Quick Answer
Firmly adhering to old customs, traditions, or personal opinions without willingness to change.
- Literal Image
- to defend like Mozi
- How to Use It
- Used to describe individuals or organizations that refuse to modernize or adapt, sticking rigidly to precedents and old ways.
Meaning
Originally referring to the stubborn defense of a castle or territory, this expression now describes the act of strictly maintaining existing habits, rules, or beliefs. It implies a resistance to progress or new ideas by clinging to the past.
Literal Image
to defend like Mozi
How to Use It
Used to describe individuals or organizations that refuse to modernize or adapt, sticking rigidly to precedents and old ways.
Tone
Carries a critical or cautionary nuance regarding stagnancy, though it can describe a strong commitment to tradition.
Examples
古い慣習を墨守するばかりでは、時代の変化に取り残される。
If you only adhere strictly to old customs, you will be left behind by the changing times.
伝統を墨守することと、進歩を拒むことは違う。
Adhering to tradition is different from refusing progress.
前例を墨守して新しい提案を一切受け入れない組織に未来はない。
There is no future for an organization that rigidly follows precedent and refuses to accept any new proposals.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
This is a formal two-kanji compound (kango) with a specific source background, making it less in daily speech but significant in literary or formal contexts.
墨
ぼく / boku
ink; refers here to the philosopher Mozi (Moke)
守
しゅ / shu
defend; protect; adhere to
Usage Profile
Usage note: It can be used in a negative sense to criticize a lack of flexibility.
Misread Risk
Avoid using this to mean simply 'protecting something good'; it implies a stubborn refusal to adapt to necessary changes.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.