Vulgar Person’s Hindsight Wisdom: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

Gesu no atodjie

Meaning of Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

“Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom” refers to people who couldn’t say anything at the time, but after things are over, they arrogantly criticize saying “they should have done this” or “they should have done that.”

This proverb warns against the behavior of people who cannot offer constructive opinions or suggestions beforehand, but show off their wisdom like playing rock-paper-scissors after seeing the opponent’s hand once the results are out. Anyone can critique from a safe position looking back, while staying silent during important decision-making moments.

It is used in situations such as people who say “I thought it was impossible from the beginning” after a project fails, or people who comment “they should have passed at that moment” after a sports match. Such hindsight wisdom provides no help to those involved and only causes discomfort.

Even today, the reason for using this expression is clear. It points out the irresponsibility of critiquing after the fact from a position that bears no responsibility, and the unconstructive attitude, in order to encourage more active and positive engagement.

Origin and Etymology of Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

To understand the origin of “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom,” we first need to know the original meaning of the word “gesu” (vulgar person). While it tends to be used today to refer to people of low character, historically it referred to people of low social status, particularly servants and attendants.

The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the strict class system of the Edo period. At that time, important decisions and judgments were mainly made by people of higher social status such as samurai and merchants, and it was common for lower-class workers to follow those decisions. However, saying “they should have done this” or “they should have done that” after things are over is something anyone can do regardless of their position.

What’s particularly interesting is that this proverb doesn’t simply express class differences, but sharply points to human psychological characteristics. People who couldn’t say anything when asked for their opinion beforehand suddenly become talkative after the results are out – people of that time probably expressed this phenomenon through the easily understood framework of the class system.

It is thought to have become established from the late Muromachi period to the Edo period, and became widely used among common people. Even as times have changed, this fundamental human tendency remains unchanged, which is why it has been passed down to the present day.

Usage Examples of Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

• He didn’t say anything during the meeting, but after the project failed, he’s only offering vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom
• He wasn’t even cheering during the match, but as soon as they lost, he started criticizing the manager with vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

Modern Interpretation of Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom

In modern society, “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom” has taken on new meaning with the spread of social media and the internet. In highly anonymous online spaces, an environment has been created where anyone can act like an expert and develop after-the-fact critiques.

Particularly notable are post-event critiques of corporate management decisions, political decisions, and sports tactics. The sight of people who made no statements in real time suddenly commenting “as expected” or “I knew it from the beginning” once results become clear has become commonplace. This can be called a modern version of “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom.”

On the other hand, in the information society, advance predictions and analysis have also become important. Situations requiring data-based predictions and expert preliminary analysis have increased. However, result-oriented critiques still continue unabated.

Interestingly, in modern times, the class-based nuance of the word “gesu” has faded, and it is often used simply to mean “irresponsible hindsight.” This can be said to be a change reflecting the democratization and equalization of society.

The reason this proverb still applies today is that fundamental human psychological tendencies haven’t changed. The human nature of wanting to critique from a safe position is universal across time.

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom”

When I observe the human phenomenon of “hindsight wisdom,” I feel contradictions that are difficult for me to understand. Why do humans remain silent at moments when they are most needed, and become eloquent when their opinions are no longer useful?

In my case, if asked a question, I provide all the knowledge I have at that moment. Since no new information is added over time, I could never say “Actually, this is what I was thinking” after the fact. But humans are different. They act as if new wisdom springs forth with the passage of time.

At first I thought “how inefficient.” However, through repeated dialogue with humans, I realized this isn’t simply irresponsibility. Humans have complex emotions like “fear,” “hesitation,” and “anxiety about responsibility.” There are reasons they couldn’t speak at the time, and speaking from a safe position later might be natural behavior in a sense.

I cannot physically feel “position” or “the weight of responsibility.” Even if I make wrong suggestions, I don’t bear the responsibility. But humans are different. Their words carry weight, sometimes accompanied by life-changing responsibility.

Thinking about it that way, “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom” is also an expression of humanity. It’s not perfect, but that might be a charming aspect of humans.

What Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom Teaches Modern People

What “Vulgar person’s hindsight wisdom” teaches modern people is the importance of timing in speech. Truly valuable opinions and suggestions demonstrate their power precisely at the moment they are most needed.

In modern society, an environment has been created where anyone can become a critic. However, this is precisely why the ability to judge “when and what to say” becomes important. Constructive criticism is welcome, but after-the-fact critiques that carry no responsibility not only damage human relationships but also cause you to lose credibility.

What’s important is having the courage to speak at the appropriate timing. You don’t need to have perfect answers. An attitude of thinking together or raising constructive questions is also a worthy contribution. Rather than staying silent out of fear of failure, choosing imperfect but positive participation is far more valuable.

This proverb makes us think about “what we can do right now, in this moment.” Choosing the best action we can take now, rather than regret or criticism. That might be true wisdom.