How to Read “理屈と膏薬はどこへでもつく”
Rikutsu to kōyaku wa doko e demo tsuku
Meaning of “理屈と膏薬はどこへでもつく”
This proverb means that logic can be conveniently applied to any situation to suit one’s purposes.
In other words, it expresses that people can interpret things in ways that are convenient for them and justify their actions with plausible reasoning. Just as plaster can stick anywhere, logic can also be “stuck” to any situation.
This proverb is mainly used in discussions and explanations. It is often used sarcastically when someone is forcing logic to suit their convenience or trying to justify things with inconsistent reasoning.
Even today, we can see such “forced reasoning” in various situations, such as politicians’ responses and sales pitches. Humans are instinctively creatures who want to justify their actions and thoughts, and they are skilled at finding convenient logic for this purpose. This proverb can be said to express a universal truth that keenly observes such human nature.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of this proverb is thought to date back to the Edo period. “Kōyaku” refers to external medicine similar to modern medicated patches, which were used as a panacea for various symptoms at that time.
The characteristic of plaster lies in its adhesiveness. It can stick firmly to any place, and once applied, it doesn’t come off easily. This physical property was connected to the abstract concept of human “logic.”
People in the Edo period must have observed those around them who loved to argue and engage in sophistry. There were people who, regardless of the topic or situation, would bring up plausible reasoning to steer conversations in their favor. This behavior seemed exactly like the nature of plaster that sticks anywhere.
Particularly in Edo, which flourished as a merchant town, people must have frequently encountered those who skillfully used different types of reasoning in business negotiations and daily bargaining. Against this social backdrop, this metaphor resonated with people and is presumed to have become established as a proverb. It’s an expression that shows the keen observational skills of Edo period people, connecting the familiar medicine of plaster with human verbal cleverness.
Interesting Facts
In the Edo period, plaster was treated like a modern panacea. There was a custom of applying plaster for any physical ailment, from headaches to stomachaches to bruises. Due to its versatility, it was even said that “there is no illness that plaster cannot cure.”
Interestingly, similar expressions exist in countries around the world. In English-speaking regions, there’s the expression “lawyers and doctors can find reasons for any case,” which is similar in pointing out humans’ skill at reasoning.
Usage Examples
- Listening to his explanation, I’m impressed by how well the saying “Logic and plaster stick anywhere” applies
- Politicians’ responses are typical examples of “Logic and plaster stick anywhere” – in the end, it’s the same as not answering anything at all
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has emerged as an even more serious problem. This is because with the spread of the internet and social media, in an environment overflowing with information, people have an increasingly strong tendency to selectively gather only information that suits their convenience.
The psychological phenomenon called “confirmation bias” has become particularly prominent. People search only for information that supports their existing beliefs and opinions, while ignoring information that contradicts them. This can truly be called the modern version of “Logic and plaster stick anywhere.”
In the business world, “data cherry picking” – conveniently interpreting data to justify one’s proposals – has become a problem. This is a technique of skillfully manipulating statistics and graphs to derive desired conclusions.
On the other hand, countermeasures against this phenomenon are also advancing. The importance of critical thinking is being emphasized in educational settings, and developing the habit of examining things from multiple perspectives is being recommended.
Furthermore, with the development of AI technology, tools that objectively point out human cognitive biases have emerged. However, ironically, new problems have arisen where the AI itself reflects the biases of its developers, and forced reasoning continues in changing forms.
When AI Hears This
Adhesive plasters are solid at room temperature, but when warmed by body heat, they become flexible and fit perfectly to the skin’s fine contours. This physical phenomenon is remarkably similar to how humans construct their reasoning.
In what psychology calls “motivated reasoning,” people first decide on a conclusion, then search for justifications to support it afterward. During this process, reasoning becomes soft under “emotional heat” and molds itself to fit any complex situation. For example, we transform our logic so that flaws in people we like become “unique and charming,” while strengths in people we dislike become “calculating and unpleasant.”
Even more fascinating is how, just as plasters become difficult to remove once applied, people develop “confirmation bias” and cling stubbornly to the reasoning they’ve constructed. Like how a plaster’s adhesive components gradually penetrate the skin over time, our reasoning becomes increasingly embedded in our minds as “truth” the longer it remains.
Cognitive scientist Daniel Kahneman pointed out that human thinking involves both “fast thinking” and “slow thinking,” but most reasoning construction happens through emotional “fast thinking.” Just like plasters that instantly soften with body heat, our reasoning conveniently transforms and adheres to any situation the moment our emotions are heightened.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of objectively viewing our own thought patterns. It’s important to recognize that everyone has a tendency to unconsciously search for logic that is convenient for them.
What’s important is not to completely deny this human nature, but to control it appropriately. Sometimes it’s necessary to encourage ourselves with positive reasoning, and it’s not bad to use logic to find hope in difficult situations.
However, when making important decisions or when we want to be sincere in relationships with others, let’s take a step back and think. Develop the habit of asking yourself, “Am I not forcing convenient logic right now?”
Also, even when others seem to be forcing logic, it’s important to first try to understand the feelings and circumstances behind it. Everyone has some reason for doing what they do.
By keeping this proverb in mind, we should be able to achieve more sincere and constructive communication.
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