Earthquakes, Thunderbolts, Fires, Fathers

The Japanese proverb jishin kaminari kaji oyaji literally translates to "Earthquakes, Thunderbolts, Fires, Fathers" and according to Daniel Crump Buchanan on page 96 of his book Japanese Proverbs and Sayings these are "four things named in asecending order of severity were proverbially feared by the Japanese ... the father as head of the house had almost complete control of the family and all in it." Edward Trimnell in his book Tigers, Devils, and Fools: A Guide to Japanese Proverbs on page 66 takes a modern view saying "These proverbs remind us that it is wise to fear some things. By fearing what is more powerful than you, you may save yourself from injury."