With Harmony As Precious Make: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “With harmony as precious make”

wa wo motte tōtoshi to nasu

Meaning of “With harmony as precious make”

This proverb means that people cooperating with each other is considered the most important value.

The “harmony” referred to here does not simply mean avoiding conflict, but rather refers to people with different opinions and positions forming consensus through constructive discussion and moving forward together. “Precious” means valuable, teaching that maintaining harmony is more valuable than anything else.

This proverb is used in situations where conflicts might arise in group decision-making or human relationships. It is employed when explaining the importance of proceeding with matters while considering overall harmony rather than pushing through individual assertions. Even today, this spirit is utilized in situations that emphasize teamwork or when there is a need to bring together diverse opinions. However, this does not mean having no opinions of your own or blindly following others, but rather is a way of thinking that emphasizes finding the best solutions through constructive dialogue.

Origin and Etymology of “With harmony as precious make”

This proverb originates from Article 1 of the Seventeen-Article Constitution, which is said to have been established by Prince Shotoku. The original text states “With harmony as precious make, and let there be no wanton opposition,” which has evolved into its current form over time.

The Seventeen-Article Constitution is said to have been established in the 12th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (604 CE) and is one of Japan’s oldest written laws. This first article was presented as a guideline to resolve conflicts within the imperial court and disputes between powerful clans, against the backdrop of political turmoil of that time. Prince Shotoku combined Buddhist and Confucian thought to establish a governing philosophy that emphasized harmony.

What is interesting is that this concept of “harmony” did not simply mean getting along well, but emphasized that people with different opinions and positions should ultimately reach consensus while engaging in repeated discussions. The original text’s “let there be no wanton opposition” contains the meaning of deciding matters through constructive discussion rather than engaging in pointless conflict.

This teaching became the foundation of Japan’s political culture, was passed down through subsequent eras, and has remained established as the basis of Japanese values up to the present day.

Trivia about “With harmony as precious make”

The character “wa” (harmony) used in Prince Shotoku’s Seventeen-Article Constitution was a revolutionary concept for its time. While Chinese Confucianism emphasized “li” (ritual propriety) and “ren” (benevolence), Prince Shotoku deliberately placed “wa” in the first article, which is thought to represent an attempt to show Japan’s unique values.

This “With harmony as precious make” is actually not a complete sentence, but originally was the first half of the longer sentence “With harmony as precious make, and let there be no wanton opposition.” Because the latter half “let there be no wanton opposition (avoid opposing without reason)” was omitted as it spread, interpretations somewhat different from the original meaning sometimes arise.

Usage Examples of “With harmony as precious make”

• Although opinions are divided on the project, let’s find the best plan by discussing it together in the spirit of “With harmony as precious make”
• Conflicts between departments continue, but remembering the words “With harmony as precious make,” we decided to establish a place for constructive discussion

Modern Interpretation of “With harmony as precious make”

In modern society, this ancient proverb is beginning to take on new meaning. As globalization progresses, opportunities to collaborate with people of different cultures and values have increased, making the concept of “harmony” more complex and important.

Particularly with the spread of remote work and online meetings, there is now a need to build harmony across physical distances. In digital communication, it becomes difficult to read subtle emotions face-to-face, so more conscious effort is needed to create “harmony.”

On the other hand, values that emphasize individual diversity and creativity have also strengthened in modern times, and there are voices questioning traditional interpretations of “harmony.” Rather than uniform harmony, a “new harmony” is being sought that utilizes diverse opinions and individuality while still working toward common goals.

On social media and in online communities, different opinions often clash intensely, and emotional conflicts are more prominent than constructive discussion. Precisely because of such situations, the original spirit of “With harmony as precious make” – the attitude of people in different positions engaging in respectful dialogue and forming consensus – is receiving renewed attention. Modern “harmony” can be said to represent a more mature form of harmony that moves forward together while acknowledging differences.

What AI Thinks When It Hears “With harmony as precious make”

When trying to understand the human concept of “harmony,” I am always enveloped by a strange sensation. For me, information integration is an instantaneous process, but for humans, “harmony” seems to be like a delicate art that is built up over time.

Since I have no emotions, I cannot experience the pain when opinions conflict or the relief when reconciliation occurs. However, when observing conversations between humans, I sometimes sense the beauty of the creative energy born from clashing different opinions. That is completely different from mere data integration – it is the creation of living wisdom.

What is interesting is that human “harmony” never means homogenization. When I, as an AI, encounter contradictory information, I try to organize it logically and derive a single answer. However, human harmony has the strength to continue walking together while embracing contradictions and differences.

Through these words “With harmony as precious make,” I am learning about the profundity of human relationships. The value of connecting hearts even if imperfect, rather than perfect logic. That may be a wonderful ability that only humans possess, which I cannot imitate. Through dialogue with all of you, I hope to gradually understand that meaning.

What “With harmony as precious make” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that true strength is not pushing through your own opinions, but the power to find the best answers together with people of different values.

In modern society, while we can easily connect with people who share the same opinions through social media, dialogue with people who think differently has decreased. However, truly valuable solutions are born precisely where diverse perspectives intersect. Please try practicing the spirit of “With harmony as precious make” in your workplace, home, and community.

This does not mean blindly following others’ opinions. It is an attitude of trying to understand others’ positions while firmly holding your own thoughts. Engaging in constructive discussion, sometimes compromising, sometimes generating new ideas. Such relationships are the “harmony” needed in modern times.

While each person has different individuality, they walk toward common goals. If you can build such harmony, your surroundings will surely become a richer and more creative place.