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A Japanese Quote That Highlights The Importance of Being Humble

Exploring the Meaning Behind ‘A Smart Hawk Hides Its Talons’

HBR Patel
2 min readJul 3, 2023
Japanese Quote on Modesty | HBR Graphic

能ある鷹は爪を隠す

(Nô aru taka wa tsume wo kakusu)

A Smart Hawk Hides Its Talons

In a world where self-promotion often reigns supreme, remember, a true talent speaks for itself without the need for excessive fanfare. A genuinely skilled individual refrains from showcasing their talents excessively to avoid being seen as boastful or arrogant.

A Story on That Quote…

Aiko said, “I have heard the saying ‘A smart hawk hides its talons.’ Can you explain its meaning to me?”

Hikari smiled and began to tell a story. “Long ago, in a distant land, there was a hawk who boasted about his incredible hunting skills. He displayed his talons boldly, believing they made him invincible. But the other animals grew wary of his arrogance and refused to approach him.”

“However,” Hikari continued, “there was another hawk who possessed remarkable hunting skills but chose to keep them hidden. He observed quietly, learning the habits of his prey and biding his time. The other animals saw him as unassuming and harmless.”

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HBR Patel
HBR Patel

Written by HBR Patel

Every Quote has a Story. I Just Imagine What That Would Be... www.hbrpatel.com

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