How to Read “耳学問”
Mimigakumon
Meaning of “耳学問”
“Ear learning” refers to knowledge and learning acquired not through reading books, but through listening to people’s stories.
This expression is used to distinguish it from direct reading or learning through actual experience. It is used to express knowledge gained through stories heard from others, lectures, conversations, and so on. Usage scenarios include when humbly explaining the source of one’s knowledge or when clarifying that the knowledge is not based on actual experience.
Even today, people sometimes preface their remarks with “This is just ear learning, but…” when discussing knowledge gained from seminars or lectures, advice from seniors, or information obtained from TV or radio. The reason for using this expression is to show a humble attitude regarding the reliability and depth of the knowledge. It indicates recognition that knowledge gained merely through listening may be incomplete compared to learning through books or actual experience.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “ear learning” is deeply connected to the educational environment of the Edo period. At that time, books were extremely expensive and not something ordinary people could easily obtain. Moreover, since the number of people who could read and write was limited, many people gained knowledge by listening to others’ stories.
The social class system of the Edo period also influenced the background in which this term was born. The samurai class valued learning and considered studying through reading books to be orthodox. On the other hand, merchants and craftsmen often acquired skills and knowledge through practical work, with learning through “listening and remembering” – hearing from masters and seniors – being mainstream.
The expression “ear learning” is thought to have come into use as a contrast to book-based learning within this social context. Particularly in temple schools and private academies, it was common for masters to teach orally while disciples learned by listening. Additionally, oral culture such as storytelling and rakugo developed, increasing the importance of information received through the ears.
This proverb became established not merely as a way to describe learning methods, but as a term reflecting the methods of knowledge transmission in society at that time and the differences in learning opportunities between social classes.
Interesting Facts
In Edo period temple schools, while they actually taught “reading, writing, and arithmetic,” the “reading” portion centered on reading aloud, with learning through the ears being fundamental. The common method was to read aloud while looking at characters and confirm through the ears.
The word “gakumon” (learning) itself is also interesting, originally meaning “to learn and ask,” representing interactive learning through questioning masters. This was very different from modern one-way lecture styles, being truly a two-way learning method using the ears.
Usage Examples
- His cooking skills were learned through ear learning, so the basics are a bit questionable
- I only have ear learning level knowledge about investing, so I’d like to consult with someone more knowledgeable
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “ear learning” has an interesting relationship with the characteristics of the information age. With the spread of the internet and social media, we receive vast amounts of information daily in a way similar to “listening.” Learning opportunities through audio and video such as podcasts, YouTube, and online courses have dramatically increased, and in a sense, we could say that the era of “ear learning” has returned.
However, modern ear learning also presents new challenges. It has become difficult to verify the truth of information, and fake news and inaccurate information can easily spread. Edo period ear learning involved direct transmission from trustworthy masters and seniors, but in modern times, information sources are often unclear, requiring more careful judgment.
On the other hand, modern ear learning also has significant advantages. There’s the efficiency of being able to learn while commuting or doing housework, opportunities to directly hear from experts around the world, real-time question and answer sessions, and other benefits that cannot be obtained through traditional book-based learning.
In the business world, “listening skills” are increasingly valued, and ear learning-type skills have become keys to success in areas such as listening to customer voices, detecting market trends, and activating team communication. Modern ear learning has evolved into a more advanced learning method that combines not just passive learning, but active information gathering with judgment skills.
When AI Hears This
The modern boom in audio learning has completely reversed our perspective on “ear learning.” What was once dismissed as “shallow knowledge gained merely through listening” is now attracting attention as cutting-edge, efficient learning.
Behind this reversal lies discoveries in brain science. Research has shown that when the human brain processes information through “listening,” it maintains concentration more easily than with visual information, and memory retention rates are also higher. In other words, ear learning, which people in the past considered an “inferior learning method,” was actually a natural and effective approach for the brain.
In modern society, this characteristic is being utilized to its fullest extent. For example, people who listen to podcasts during their commute find it easier to maintain the habit than reading books, and their knowledge absorption is better too. YouTube educational videos are also understood faster than written information.
What’s even more fascinating is that precisely because we live in an information-overloaded era, the value of “passive listening learning” has increased. “Ear learning,” which efficiently absorbs only the necessary parts from vast amounts of information, has become an essential skill for modern people.
Ear learning, which was considered “shallow learning” in the Edo period, is being reevaluated in the Reiwa era as a gateway to “deep learning.” This ironic transformation makes us reconsider the true nature of learning.
Lessons for Today
What “ear learning” teaches modern people is the importance of diversity in learning and humility. Don’t we sometimes miss learning opportunities by seeking perfect knowledge too much? Ear learning teaches us the value of continuing to learn even when knowledge is incomplete.
In modern society, specialized knowledge has become subdivided, making it impossible to learn everything deeply. In such times, the ear learning approach of listening to specialists in other fields and grasping the overview first becomes useful. Rather than aiming for perfection, an attitude of first “listening” and “touching upon” subjects will open doors to new worlds.
Moreover, ear learning is also a learning method that values connections with people. Living experiences and practical wisdom that cannot be obtained from books or the internet alone exist precisely in dialogue with people. By honestly asking “please teach me,” unexpected learning and human relationships can be born. We should continue to maintain an attitude of actively learning from people without being embarrassed about what we don’t know.
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