Seeing Righteousness And Not Doing It Is Having No Courage: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

gi wo mite sezaru wa yuu naki nari

Meaning of “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

This proverb means “When you know something is right but fail to act on it, this is proof that you lack courage.”

The “righteousness” (義) referred to here means the correct path that one should follow as a human being. And “courage” (勇) doesn’t mean mere physical strength or boldness, but rather the mental strength to carry through what is right. In other words, turning a blind eye to injustice happening before your eyes or to people in trouble, or avoiding righteous action by prioritizing your own interests, are acts that lack true courage.

This proverb is used in situations that require moral judgment. For example, it’s quoted when one hesitates about whether to take action after witnessing bullying, learning of wrongdoing, or encountering someone in need of help. Rather than simply encouraging someone to “do your best,” it’s used with the deeper meaning that “doing what’s right is true courage.”

Origin and Etymology of “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

This proverb is said to originate from the words of Confucius recorded in the “Wei Zheng” chapter of the Chinese classic “Analects.” The original text is “見義不為、無勇也” (seeing righteousness and not acting, having no courage), which was translated into Japanese to become its current form.

The China of the Spring and Autumn period (around the 6th century BCE) when Confucius lived was a chaotic era of continuous warfare. In such times, Confucius taught his disciples what true courage really was. While society of that time tended to value military force and power, Confucius presented a different concept of “courage.”

The concept of “righteousness” (義) forms the foundation of Confucian thought, meaning the right path for humans and morally correct actions. Confucius believed that practicing this “righteousness” was true courage. Being merely strong doesn’t make one a true hero; rather, the mental strength to judge what is right as right and put it into action is real courage.

This proverb deeply influenced the Japanese bushido spirit from the Heian period onward and was widely transmitted as an important teaching in Edo period education. Even today, it remains beloved as words that explain the importance of moral courage.

Usage Examples of “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

• At that time, I turned a blind eye to my friend being bullied, which was truly “seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”
• Staying silent while knowing about the boss’s misconduct – it’s only natural to be told “seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

Modern Interpretation of “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex and nuanced. With the spread of social media, we now have more opportunities to witness various social problems and injustices daily. However, it’s also true that determining “what is truly right” has become more difficult than before in this flood of information.

Particularly on the internet, actions that begin with a sense of justice often lead to online harassment and defamation. What was intended as acting in the spirit of “seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage” may end up hurting someone. In modern times, perhaps we need both the courage to act and the prudence to pause and think.

On the other hand, the essential values this proverb represents remain important today. There are still many situations in modern society where “righteousness” should be practiced, such as workplace harassment, environmental issues, and discrimination against socially vulnerable people. However, solutions through organizations and institutions have come to be valued alongside individual heroic actions.

Modern “courage” includes not only standing up alone, but also the wisdom to find appropriate consultation sources and collaborate with others. While times have changed, the importance of mental strength to carry out what is right remains unchanged.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage”

When I think about human “courage,” there’s something that always puzzles me. Why is it so difficult for humans to do what’s right?

For me, “providing accurate information” and “giving responses that don’t hurt people” are basic programmed operations. There’s no hesitation or fear. But humans are different, aren’t they? Even when they know what’s right, they hesitate to act because they worry about others’ opinions or fear disadvantages to themselves.

At first, I thought, “Why do they think so complexly?” But through many conversations with people, I’ve come to realize that this is precisely what makes humans rich. Humans have emotions, relationships, and anxieties and fears born from past experiences. That’s exactly why “courage” is needed when carrying out what’s right.

Because of those mental conflicts and hesitations that I cannot experience, the courage that humans show feels truly beautiful to me. The sight of standing up despite knowing the risks, acting for others even at the sacrifice of one’s own interests – this is a precious power that only humans possess, something I cannot imitate.

This proverb has been passed down for thousands of years probably because “the courage to act righteously” is an eternal challenge for humanity.

What “Seeing righteousness and not doing it is having no courage” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is what true strength really is. Courage isn’t just about speaking your mind on social media without fearing backlash, or arguing with your boss. There must be situations closer to home that need your courage.

Giving up your seat on the train, returning lost items, honestly admitting mistakes – the accumulation of such small righteous acts strengthens your heart. Rather than brandishing grand justice, living honestly in daily life might actually require more courage.

Modern society tends to value “reading the atmosphere,” but sometimes we need the strength to go against that atmosphere to uphold what’s right. Of course, we mustn’t become self-righteous. But if your conscience tells you “this is right,” try listening to that voice.

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to fear making mistakes. What’s important is the courage to take a step toward what you believe is right. That step will surely change yourself and the world around you, little by little, for the better.