How to Read “我が身の一尺は見えぬ”
Waga mi no isshaku wa mienu
Meaning of “我が身の一尺は見えぬ”
“One’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen” means that one cannot correctly understand oneself and that it is difficult to view oneself objectively.
People can easily see others’ flaws and problems, but when it comes to themselves, they tend to become blind. This represents that just as it is physically difficult to see one’s own feet, it is also mentally difficult to objectively grasp one’s own character and behavior.
This proverb is mainly used when encouraging self-reflection or explaining the importance of accepting advice from others. For example, it is used when conveying to someone who only criticizes others the importance of first reflecting on themselves. It is also used in contexts where one humbly acknowledges that even though they think they are perfect, there are actually overlooked aspects.
Even today, this expression is understood as a universal truth that shows the limits of self-awareness. The wisdom of this old proverb is being applied when reflecting on oneself before criticizing others on social media, or when understanding the gap between self-evaluation and others’ evaluation in the workplace.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “One’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen” is thought to have emerged from extremely practical observations based on human physical structure.
The etymology of this proverb literally expresses the physical limitations when looking at one’s own body. While people can look down at their own bodies, there are parts that don’t enter their field of vision, such as their back or the back of their head. The use of the specific length “one foot” is presumed to have the Edo period’s system of weights and measures as its background. One foot corresponds to approximately 30 centimeters, which is an exquisite distance that expresses exactly the range that cannot be seen when a person looks down at their feet.
Considering the historical background when this proverb became established, it likely emerged from the lived experiences of common people during the Edo period. People of that time did not have an abundance of mirrors like we do today, and opportunities to view themselves objectively were limited. Therefore, they expressed the fundamental human characteristic of “not being able to understand oneself” through a familiar and easy-to-understand physical metaphor.
The structure of the language is also interesting, as it combines the familiar expression “one’s own body” with the specific unit of measurement “one foot,” showing the ingenuity of conveying abstract concepts as familiar, tangible experiences.
Usage Examples
- I’ve been focusing on guiding my subordinates, but since one’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen, perhaps I should also review my own management abilities
- I can clearly see that person’s flaws, but since one’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen, let me first reflect on myself
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “One’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen” has actually increased in importance. With the spread of social media and the internet, we have become able to observe others’ lives and actions in much greater detail than before. However, ironically, this technological progress has highlighted the difficulty of self-awareness.
Online, it’s easy to comment on and criticize others’ posts. People express opinions on everything – political statements, lifestyle choices, parenting methods. However, they are surprisingly unaware of the reactions when they make similar posts themselves, or the impact their own statements have on others.
Also, in modern business environments, 360-degree evaluations and feedback culture are emphasized, but these are precisely systems premised on the human characteristic that “One’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen.” The gap between self-evaluation and others’ evaluation has become an issue in many workplaces.
What’s interesting is that with the development of AI technology, our behavioral patterns and preferences have become quantifiable. This has made it possible to visualize the parts of “one’s own foot” that were previously invisible as data. However, even when shown data, the difficulty of accepting it remains unchanged, and there are quite a few people who deny it, saying “the data is wrong.”
This proverb shows the essence of humanity that remains unchanged no matter how much technology advances.
When AI Hears This
Modern people touch their smartphones an average of 96 times per day, with about one-third of those interactions related to selfies and social media posts. Yet despite living in an era where we examine our appearance more than ever before, why do increasing numbers of people struggle with not knowing “who they really are”?
The irony of selfie culture lies in the fact that cameras capture an “idealized version of ourselves.” We smooth our skin with beauty apps, adjust angles, and retake dozens of shots. In other words, what we’re looking at isn’t our true selves, but a processed illusion.
Even more fascinating is research showing that the more obsessed people become with selfies, the more their ability to view themselves objectively declines. Psychological studies reveal that frequent selfie-takers are less accurate at understanding “how others perceive them.” By viewing themselves through camera lenses, they paradoxically lose sight of their real selves.
In the Edo period, even mirrors were precious commodities. Yet people of that era came to know themselves through interactions with others and cultivated their inner character. The “technology for seeing ourselves” that modern people have acquired has actually become a tool that distances us from who we truly are. Genuine self-awareness is reflected not in smartphone screens, but in the mirror of everyday human relationships.
Lessons for Today
“One’s own body’s one foot cannot be seen” teaches modern people the importance of humility and the value of relationships with others.
In modern society where perfectionism is rampant, it has become difficult to acknowledge one’s flaws and limitations. However, this proverb teaches us that “having invisible parts is natural.” This is not something to be ashamed of, but proof that we are human.
What’s important is having the attitude to honestly accept feedback from trustworthy people. Advice from family, friends, and colleagues is a precious mirror that shows you your “invisible foot.” Even if it feels difficult to accept at first, it’s worth stopping and thinking about it.
Also, especially when you want to criticize others, remember this proverb. It’s natural to see others’ flaws, but you must not forget that you also have parts you cannot see.
In modern times, opportunities to collaborate with people holding diverse values have increased. By building relationships where we can complement each other’s “invisible parts,” we can achieve richer growth both as individuals and as organizations. Acknowledging one’s limitations is not weakness, but true strength.
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