Proverb / Kotowaza
地の利は人の和に如かず
Human unity and cooperation are more powerful than material or geographical advantages.
Geographical advantage is not as good as human harmony.
Quick Answer
Human unity and cooperation are more powerful than material or geographical advantages.
- Literal Image
- Geographical advantage is not as good as human harmony.
- Closest Equivalent
- United we stand, divided we fall
- How to Use It
- Used to stress that morale and teamwork are more important than equipment, location, or physical assets, particularly in business, sports, or management.
Meaning
Even when physical conditions or strategic locations are ideal, they cannot match the strength of people working together with a single heart. The proverb emphasizes that organizational bonds and mutual cooperation are the most critical factors for achieving success.
Literal Image
Geographical advantage is not as good as human harmony.
Equivalent Proverbs
United we stand, divided we fall
Focuses on the necessity of unity to avoid failure.
People in harmony can move mountains
Emphasizes the great power of cooperation.
How to Use It
Used to stress that morale and teamwork are more important than equipment, location, or physical assets, particularly in business, sports, or management.
Tone
Formal and serious, appearing in professional or leadership contexts.
Examples
地の利は人の和に如かずで、どんなに設備が整った会社でも、社員が団結していなければ成果は出せない。
As the saying goes, harmony is better than advantage; no matter how well-equipped a company is, it cannot achieve results if the employees are not united.
強固な城壁を誇った城も内部の裏切りで落城した。地の利は人の和に如かずとはこのことだ。
Even a castle with strong walls fell due to internal betrayal. This truly shows that geographic advantage is no match for human harmony.
チームスポーツでは地の利は人の和に如かずが示すように、ホームゲームより選手の団結力の方が勝敗に影響する。
In team sports, as the proverb suggests, the players' unity has a greater impact on winning or losing than the advantage of playing a home game.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the classical 'ni shikazu' negative comparison structure and formal kanji compounds typical of literary or source contexts.
地の利
ちのり / chi no ri
geographical advantage
人の和
ひとのわ / hito no wa
human harmony / unity
如かず
しかず / shikazu
to be not as good as / to not equal
Usage Profile
Usage note: While emphasizing harmony, ensure it is not used to dismiss the genuine need for proper resources or preparation.
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this as simply 'being nice to people'; it specifically refers to the power of organizational unity and collective morale.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
This expression is derived from the words of the Chinese philosopher Mencius (Moushi) in the text 'Gongsun Chou II' (公孫丑章句下). It is part of a logical progression stating that 'Heaven's timing is not as good as geographical advantage, and geographical advantage is not as good as human harmony.' This highlights the core of Mencius's political thought regarding the importance of gaining the hearts of the people.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
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.