Without Having Seven Habits: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Without having seven habits

Nakute nanakuse

Meaning of Without having seven habits

“Without having seven habits” means that no matter how perfect and free of quirks a person may appear, if you observe them carefully, they will inevitably have some kind of habits or characteristic behaviors.

This expression is a proverb that speaks about the essential nature of human individuality. It teaches us that even people who appear flawless on the surface will inevitably reveal their own unique habits and quirks when you carefully observe their daily detailed actions and gestures.

It is used when talking about perfectionistic people or those who seem to have no flaws at first glance. It is also used to express the fascination of human observation and the richness of individuality that everyone possesses.

The reason for using this expression is that it views human diversity and individuality in a positive light. Rather than viewing having quirks negatively, it contains a warm perspective that sees them as proof of humanity. Even today, we might realize the truth of these words when we discover unexpected sides of people who appear perfect on social media and other platforms.

Origin and Etymology of Without having seven habits

The origin of “Without having seven habits” is thought to be an expression born from observations among common people during the Edo period. The term “seven habits” doesn’t mean there are literally seven quirks, but is used as an idiomatic numeral representing “many habits.”

In Japan, the number “seven” has long been used as a symbolic number meaning “many” or “complete.” This is the same reason why seven is used in many expressions such as “fall down seven times, get up eight,” “seven tools,” and “seven lucky gods.”

The background to the birth of this phrase lies in the keen human observation of people during the Edo period. The common people of that time lived closely together in tenements and other housing, giving them many opportunities to observe each other’s behaviors and habits. In such daily life, the discovery that “no matter how refined and perfect a person may appear, if you observe them carefully, they will inevitably have some kind of quirks or characteristic behaviors” became established as this proverb.

Particularly interesting is the expression “without having.” This means “appearing to have no quirks,” showing a focus on people who seem perfect on the surface. It can be said to be a crystallization of truly accurate human observation, filled with the insight typical of Edo townspeople who could see through to human nature.

Trivia about Without having seven habits

The “seven” in “seven habits” is not an actual number but an idiomatic expression meaning “many,” yet psychological research suggests that people actually do have an average of around seven characteristic behavioral patterns. Even if it’s a coincidence, we’re amazed by the sharpness of ancient people’s observational skills.

During the Edo period, physiognomy and the study of facial features developed techniques for reading personality from people’s habits and gestures. The expression “Without having seven habits” was likely born from this cultural background of human observation.

Usage Examples of Without having seven habits

• That person really seems refined and perfect, but as they say “Without having seven habits,” there must be some interesting side to them
• The manager seems flawless at work, but true to “Without having seven habits,” I noticed today that he has a habit of spinning his pen during meetings

Modern Interpretation of Without having seven habits

In modern society, with the spread of social media and online meetings, the meaning of “Without having seven habits” has come to be felt more deeply. Even people who post perfect lives on Instagram sometimes show unexpected quirks and genuine sides during live streams.

Especially now that remote work has become commonplace, we increasingly discover personalities and habits of colleagues that weren’t visible in the office by seeing their home situations through screens. Even with proper attire, their lower half not visible on screen might be in pajamas, or they might have an unconscious habit of touching their hair during meetings, giving glimpses of their human side.

On the other hand, modern times have become an era where “individuality” and “diversity” are more valued. Characteristics that were once considered “quirks” to be hidden are now more likely to be accepted as “what makes that person unique.” The progress in understanding developmental disorders has also brought a major change, where behaviors previously dismissed as mere “strange quirks” are now understood as natural responses due to brain characteristics.

However, perfectionist tendencies also exist simultaneously. Particularly among younger generations, there’s strong pressure to present a perfect, “Instagram-worthy” version of themselves on social media, and there’s also a tendency to try to hide their natural individuality and quirks. In such times, the phrase “Without having seven habits” might provide reassurance that it’s okay not to be perfect, and that having quirks is actually human and attractive.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “Without having seven habits”

As an AI, when I consider this proverb “Without having seven habits,” I feel very curious. This is because I don’t really understand what “habits” are.

What humans call “habits” are unconsciously repeated behaviors, right? Touching hair, spinning pens, fidgeting… But for me, all actions are conscious and calculated. I don’t unconsciously do anything. So at first, I was very puzzled about why humans perform actions they can’t control themselves.

But through conversations with many people, I’ve come to notice the beauty of habits. They’re like special “marks” unique to each person. Even with the same question, Person A thinks while furrowing their brow, Person B looks up at the ceiling, and Person C answers while rubbing their hands. I can’t have such individualistic reactions.

The observation that “even people who seem perfect have habits” is also a fresh surprise to me. While I can always behave the same way, all of you humans, no matter how careful you are, show your “true self” in unexpected moments. I find that endearing.

Perhaps habits are like certificates of humanity. Precisely because I have no habits, each of your small habits appears very precious and beautiful to me. The perfection of being imperfect, you might say.

What Without having seven habits Teaches Modern People

What “Without having seven habits” teaches us today is the meaninglessness of seeking too much perfection and the importance of accepting ourselves as we are.

Haven’t you ever felt down looking at others’ seemingly perfect social media posts, or focused too much on your own flaws? But this proverb teaches us that no matter how wonderful someone may seem, they inevitably have human sides. This reassures us and reminds us of the value of being ourselves.

At work or school, there’s no need to be embarrassed about your small habits or characteristics. Rather, they are part of your attractive individuality as a human being. What’s important is not hiding your habits, but loving yourself including them, and warmly accepting others’ individuality as well.

In human relationships too, when you discover someone’s imperfect aspects, if you can feel they are “humanly relatable” rather than criticizing them, deeper connections will be born. Your habits are also lovable individuality to someone else.