How to Read “沐猴にして冠す”
Bokukou ni shite kansu
Meaning of “沐猴にして冠す”
“Macaque monkey and crown” is a proverb that expresses how, just as a monkey remains a monkey even when wearing a crown, decorating only one’s outward appearance without substance or inner qualities to match is meaningless.
This proverb is used to criticize situations where someone merely arranges their appearance and formalities to maintain dignity, but lacks the fundamental ability or character to back it up. It is particularly often used as an expression to satirize people who have gained status or power but behave without possessing the education or character befitting that position.
Even in modern times, it is used to refer to people who have impressive titles but lack corresponding ability, people who dress in luxury brands but lack refinement, or people who hold qualifications but lack practical skills. What this proverb wants to convey is that true value lies not in appearance but in one’s inner self. No matter how much one decorates the outside, if the essential parts are lacking, this will inevitably be perceived by observers.
Origin and Etymology
“Macaque monkey and crown” is an idiom derived from the ancient Chinese classic “Records of the Grand Historian” (Shiji). The background of this phrase involves a historical figure named Xiang Yu.
After the death of Qin Shi Huang, Xiang Yu expanded his power across various regions and temporarily became the hegemon of China. When he pacified the land of Chu, his homeland, someone advised Xiang Yu: “When one becomes wealthy and noble, one should return to their hometown. Otherwise, it would be like a macaque monkey wearing a crown.”
“Macaque monkey” refers to a monkey, specifically one that makes gestures of washing its hands and face. No matter how magnificent a crown you put on it, a monkey remains a monkey. The meaning was that decorating only the appearance does not change the essence.
This historical tale was transmitted to Japan and became established as a proverb. What’s interesting is that behind the birth of this phrase was the ancient Chinese value system of “returning home in brocade” (yijin huanxiang). This was the idea that one should return to their hometown wearing brocade when successful, and was considered extremely important in society at that time.
Through Xiang Yu’s episode, this proverb has been passed down for a long time as a lesson warning against the discrepancy between appearance and substance.
Interesting Facts
The word “macaque monkey” that appears in this proverb actually means “a monkey that washes its hands and face.” In ancient China, people saw monkeys washing their hands and faces with water and felt they were like humans, but they still recognized that a monkey is still a monkey.
Also, crowns were important items representing status and position in ancient China. From emperors to commoners, there were crowns corresponding to each person’s position, and crowns held such important meaning that one could tell a person’s social status at a glance.
Usage Examples
- That new department manager wears expensive suits, but it’s like “Macaque monkey and crown” – he hasn’t gained the trust of his subordinates.
- She graduated from a famous university and has many qualifications, but it was “Macaque monkey and crown” and her actual work performance was disappointing.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of “Macaque monkey and crown” has become more complex and multifaceted. In today’s SNS era, many people are enthusiastic about making their appearance and lifestyle look beautiful, but this could also be considered a modern version of “putting on a crown.”
Particularly in the business world, while the value of “crowns” such as educational background, qualifications, and titles is still emphasized, actual results and humanity are being questioned more strictly. With the spread of remote work, the importance of essential abilities and character that can be conveyed even through a screen has increased.
Also, in the information society, access to knowledge and information has become easier, making it possible to acquire only superficial knowledge and pose as an expert. However, the difference from those who have true expertise and deep understanding becomes clear in discussions and practical situations.
On the other hand, diversity is valued in modern times, and criticism of judging people by their appearance has also grown stronger. We need to carefully consider the “appearance-dismissive” aspect of this proverb.
What’s important is the balance between arranging one’s appearance and cultivating one’s inner self. Either one alone is insufficient, and valuing both may be what is required of modern people.
When AI Hears This
Looking at the “knowledge influencer” phenomenon in the SNS era, I’m struck by the accuracy of “a monkey wearing a crown.”
On modern platforms, there’s been a surge of people calling themselves “economists” after reading just a few specialized books, or working as “mental coaches” using psychology knowledge learned from YouTube videos. Their characteristic is wrapping superficial knowledge in authoritative language and behaving like experts while wearing the “crown” of follower counts.
What’s fascinating is how this phenomenon perfectly matches the classical structure of “a monkey wearing a hat.” SNS algorithms prioritize “accessibility” and “trending appeal” over deep expertise, making “expert-like people” more likely to attract attention than genuine experts.
In fact, psychological research has proven through the “Dunning-Kruger effect” that people with shallow knowledge tend to overestimate their abilities. In other words, those who have only dabbled in knowledge are the ones most eager to “wear the crown.”
The human nature that Chinese people saw through 2000 years ago appears even more vividly in the digital age. Technology has advanced, but human vanity remains unchanged. Rather, the SNS stage could be said to provide “crowns” to even more “monkeys.”
Lessons for Today
What “Macaque monkey and crown” teaches us today is the simple yet profound truth that true value lies not in appearance but in substance.
In modern society, the importance of first impressions is often discussed, and arranging one’s appearance is certainly important. However, relying only on that will ultimately not last. To truly gain people’s trust and respect, it’s essential to steadily continue polishing one’s knowledge, skills, and character.
This proverb reminds us of the importance of “inner fulfillment.” Getting qualifications, acquiring skills, deepening one’s education – such efforts are never wasted. And above all, cultivating humanity such as sincerity, compassion, and sense of responsibility will become a treasure more valuable than any “crown.”
Why don’t you start today spending as much time, or even more, on enriching your inner self as you do on arranging your appearance? Reading books, learning new things, valuing dialogue with people – such small accumulations will surely make you a truly attractive person.
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