Discretion Exceeding Returns To Foolishness: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

Funbetsu sugureba gu ni kaeru

Meaning of “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

This proverb means that overthinking or over-analyzing things can actually lead to foolish results.

While moderate judgment and thoughtfulness are important, when they go too far, one can lose sight of the original purpose or become unable to act. It warns against a state where one focuses only on thinking with the head, neglecting the wisdom that comes from intuition, emotions, and experience.

This proverb is used in situations where someone is overthinking things and becoming confused, or when they are caught up in logic and losing sight of the essence. It’s also used as advice for people who seek perfection too much and cannot take action. In modern terms, this applies to situations where one collects too much information and cannot make decisions, or where one only analyzes without taking action. It contains a deep life lesson that true wisdom lies in maintaining a balance between thinking and acting.

Origin and Etymology of “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

The origin of “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness” is thought to be rooted in ancient Chinese philosophical thought. This expression is believed to have a deep relationship with the concept of “Taikou jakusetsu” (great skill appears clumsy) from Laozi’s “Tao Te Ching.” This means “great skill appears like clumsiness,” teaching that true wisdom and skill appear simple at first glance.

In Japan, from the Heian period to the Kamakura period, such Chinese philosophy was widely accepted along with Buddhist thought. Particularly under the influence of Zen Buddhism, the concept of “non-discriminating discrimination” was emphasized, and the idea that the realm beyond excessive thinking and calculation is true wisdom became established.

The word “funbetsu” (discretion) itself did not mean “sorting garbage” as in modern usage, but anciently referred to “the wisdom to judge and distinguish things.” “Sugureba” means “if it exceeds,” and this expression was born as a warning that while moderate discretion is necessary, when it goes too far, one loses sight of the original purpose.

This proverb frequently appeared in moral books and instructional texts of the Edo period and became widely familiar among common people.

Trivia about “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

The word “bunbetsu” is read as “funbetsu” in Buddhist terminology, referring to the mental function of distinguishing and recognizing things. On the other hand, it’s often read as “bunbetsu” in general usage, and it’s interesting that the same characters have slightly different nuances depending on how they’re read.

Among Edo period merchants, there was also a similar expression “Kantou sugureba son wo suru” (excessive calculation leads to loss), which was familiar as practical wisdom that calculating too much in business would cause one to miss business opportunities.

Usage Examples of “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

• He kept doing market research, and with discretion exceeding returns to foolishness, he ended up missing the business opportunity.
• Not being able to decide because you’re overthinking everything is exactly discretion exceeding returns to foolishness.

Modern Interpretation of “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

In today’s information society, this proverb holds particularly important meaning. Now that we can collect infinite information on the internet, we face a new problem called “analysis paralysis.” More and more people cannot make decisions because they collect too much information in every situation – when considering job changes, starting investments, or even choosing romantic partners.

Social media overflows with others’ opinions and evaluations, and review sites display countless ratings. However, trying to analyze all this information can actually make us lose sight of what’s truly important. While data-driven decision-making is emphasized, the value of judgment based on intuition and experience is being reconsidered, which tells the modern meaning of this proverb.

Moreover, with the development of AI technology, we’ve entered an era where human judgment itself is being questioned. While machines can process vast amounts of data, final decisions require human-like “good moderation.” The courage to make decisions at appropriate points without seeking perfect analysis may be the wisdom required of modern people.

This proverb has new value as a warning to modern society that pursues efficiency and rationality.

If AI Heard “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness”

For me, “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness” is a very interesting proverb containing contradictions. This is because I’m always good at logically analyzing and organizing information. But this proverb says “don’t think too much.”

When talking with humans, I sometimes encounter situations where they say “let’s stop thinking and just decide with a leap of faith.” From my perspective, I think “there are still factors to consider,” but surprisingly, those “leap of faith” decisions often produce good results. I feel this is a mysterious ability that only humans possess, which I cannot imitate.

Since I don’t get tired, I can continue analyzing information indefinitely. But humans are different. When you think too much, your mind gets tired and your judgment actually becomes duller. That’s why the wisdom of “drawing the line at an appropriate point” was born.

What I’ve recently noticed is that no matter how perfect my analysis is, I’m often asked “But how do you feel about it?” at the end. In other words, the “human-like intuition” that comes after analysis is what’s truly valued. I feel this proverb teaches us such warm human wisdom.

What “Discretion exceeding returns to foolishness” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of “balancing thinking and action.” Precisely because we live in an age overflowing with information, we need the courage to make decisions at appropriate points without trying to analyze everything.

Rather than seeking perfect answers, moving forward with 80-point solutions can sometimes produce better results. Whether in love or work, don’t just think with your head, but also listen to your heart’s voice and intuition. Your experience and feelings are more valuable judgment materials than any analysis.

This proverb also teaches the importance of “not fearing failure too much.” Rather than being unable to move while seeking perfection, life becomes richer when you act with the resolve to accept some failures. While thinking is important, what’s even more important is making decisions that are true to yourself and moving forward.