"Winning Becomes Charcoal, Losing Becomes Ashes", Proverb Meaning Oftenly Misunderstood

YOGYAKARTA - In life, competition is unavoidable. We are often faced with situations where we must make choices. Sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. But what is the meaning behind it all?

"Winning becomes charcoal, losing becomes ashes" is a proverb you've probably heard often. However, its meaning goes deeper than mere words. This proverb reflects the bitter consequences of a dispute.

What does it mean to win and become charcoal, to lose and become ashes?

As reported in the Konstruksia Journal (Volume 16 Number 2) in 2025, the proverb "win becomes charcoal, lose becomes ash" clearly illustrates the irony of conflict.

This proverb implies that behind the hustle and bustle of conflict, both the victorious and the defeated will ultimately suffer losses.

It's important to note that in conflict, there are no true winners. There is only suffering. A victory can feel hollow due to the wounds left by the conflict itself.

From a cultural perspective, this proverb has deep roots in Minangkabau society. This proverb is not just a sentence, but a reflection of a profound philosophy of life.

In Minangkabau oral tradition, this proverb, or mamangan, serves as an ethical guideline, advice, and a guideline for social interaction.

Literally, this proverb teaches that in a conflict or dispute, both parties will suffer equal losses, even if one party is declared the "winner."

Thus, victory for the Minang people is like "charcoal," meaning remnants that are no longer of value, while defeat is like "ash," even more useless.

An article discussing the Philosophy of the Kebaya: Historical Traces and Hidden Cultural Meanings.

Mamangan: A Guide to Nature-Based Living in Minangkabau Culture

A paper entitled "Mamangan Minangkabau: A Semenetic Study" explains that in Minangkabau society, mamangan is not just an expression, but rather the core of local wisdom that shapes social behavior.

As part of a traditional ritual containing advice, mamangan serves as a guide for community behavior. Furthermore, mamangan is a crystallization of the collective inner experience of the Minangkabau people, inspired by nature.

Interestingly, within the Minangkabau figurative language, there are mamangan with anomalous or deviant constructions. This deviation is evident in the inconsistency between the word form and its meaning.

Let's take the mamangan "mambunuah maiduikkan" (killing and bringing to life) as an example. Literally, this expression contains a contradiction. However, its meaning is profound: it prohibits someone from committing a bad deed while simultaneously suggesting a better or more constructive alternative.

This contradictory mamangan phenomenon is not unique. There are at least seventeen similar mamangan in the Minangkabau language. Some of them are even closely related to physical phenomena observable in the natural world.

For example, let's take the phrase "tagang bajelo, kandua badontang," which parallels the flying of a kite. These two expressions demonstrate that Minangkabau wisdom is not merely abstract but also closely connected to the natural reality in which they live.

Example of the proverb: Winning becomes charcoal, losing becomes ashes

The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is a vivid example of the adage "winners become charcoal, losers become ashes." Although the two countries possess differing military strengths, repeated conflicts demonstrate that neither side has a clear advantage.

Here are some of the losses experienced by both countries, whether victorious or "lost" in the fighting:

• Humanitarian and Economic Losses

Every armed clash invariably results in casualties, both military and civilian. As a result, hundreds of thousands of residents in border areas on both sides are forced to flee, economic activity is halted, trade is paralyzed, and infrastructure is damaged.

• Damage to Cultural Heritage

The conflict surrounding Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has caused damage to the historic temple. Regardless of who claims ownership, the fighting has damaged a cultural heritage that should be a source of shared pride. 

• Loss of Stability and Trust

The protracted conflict created tension and suspicion between the two countries, damaging diplomatic relations and regional cooperation. Furthermore, a military victory could never restore the shattered trust.

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