expression
the more learned, the more humble; the boughs bearing the most hang lowest
Proverb comparing a rice ear that bends as it ripens to a wise person who becomes humbler with knowledge. Often used to praise modesty in accomplished people.
See also: 実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな
彼は有名な学者なのにいつも腰が低い。まさに実るほど頭の下がる稲穂かなだ。
He is a famous scholar, yet he is always humble. Truly, the more learned, the more humble.
A variant of the same proverb using 頭を垂れる (こうべをたれる) instead of 頭の下がる (あたまのさがる). The meaning is identical.
A well-known Japanese proverb. The imagery of a ripening rice plant bowing its head is a traditional metaphor for humility accompanying maturity or wisdom.