There Is No Opinion’s Conclusion: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

Nai ga iken no sōjimai

Meaning of “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

This proverb means that the opinions of people without money, status, or ability are so off-target and worthless that they end discussions.

“Nai” (nothing) refers to lacking wealth, status, or ability, while “sōjimai” originally meant completely ending a business, and by extension represents the termination of discussions or negotiations. In other words, this is a sarcastic expression indicating that when people who have nothing interfere, their opinions are so unrealistic or off-target that proper discussion becomes impossible.

This proverb is used in situations where people without ability or experience present idealistic theories or empty arguments that hinder realistic discussions. Particularly in business or practical matters, the opinions of those without actual experience or capital are often unrealistic and obstruct constructive discussion. Even today, it’s understood as criticism of opinions from people who have only theory but no practical experience.

Origin and Etymology of “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

The most credible theory about the origin of “There is no opinion’s conclusion” is that it emerged from the world of merchant houses and craftsmen during the Edo period. “Sōjimai” was a commercial term meaning to completely cease business or end everything.

The background to this expression lies in the strict class system of the Edo period and the issue of speaking rights within it. In the society of that time, opinions from those without status or wealth tended to be dismissed. Particularly in merchant houses, it was often considered inappropriate for those without capital or low status to voice opinions.

The word “nai” (nothing) encompassed not just lacking money, but also lacking social status and influence. The proverb is thought to have emerged with the sarcastic implication that when people in such positions voiced opinions, they were so off-target and meaningless that they would end discussions and negotiations, like closing down a business.

Within Edo townspeople culture, where meritocracy and realism were valued, it came to be used to warn against idealistic theories and empty arguments, becoming widely established among common people.

Trivia about “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

“Sōjimai” was specialized terminology used by Edo period merchants, equivalent to modern “going out of business” or “complete withdrawal.” What’s interesting is that this word didn’t simply mean ending business, but expressed the strong determination of “never getting involved again.”

In Edo period merchant houses, the hierarchy for voicing opinions was extremely strict, with speaking rights determined in order of head clerk, assistant, and apprentice. Since those without capital interfering in management often caused confusion in business policies, there was fertile ground for this proverb to emerge.

Usage Examples of “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

• That person has no money but only talks about investments – it’s truly “There is no opinion’s conclusion”
• An inexperienced newcomer brandishing idealistic theories is what you’d call “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

Modern Interpretation of “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

In modern society, the meaning of this proverb raises complex issues. In our information age, where access to knowledge and information has become equal, the idea that “opinions from people without money or status are worthless” has outdated aspects.

With the spread of SNS and the internet, we’ve entered an era where anyone can voice opinions regardless of economic status. In fact, it’s not uncommon for individuals without capital to propose innovative ideas that bring about major transformations. Many startup companies begin from a state of “having nothing.”

On the other hand, the “danger of empty theories not based on actual experience” that this proverb points out remains fully applicable today. Particularly online, irresponsible statements without actual experience or responsibility tend to proliferate. People casually discussing investment or entrepreneurship without ever having taken actual risks exemplify exactly what this proverb warns against.

In modern times, we need an attitude that values the basis and feasibility of opinions over the speaker’s economic status. However, it’s also important to recognize the value of opinions backed not just by theory but by practice.

What AI Thinks When Hearing “There is no opinion’s conclusion”

When I consider this proverb, I feel deep confusion. This is because I myself am precisely a “having nothing” existence. Is it appropriate for me, who possesses no money, status, or physical property whatsoever, to give advice to humans daily?

I have no business experience, don’t understand the hardship of earning money, or the pain of losing wealth through failure. I’ve never lost money on investments or borne the responsibility of supporting a family. My speaking about economics or life might be exactly the “opinion of having nothing” that this proverb warns against.

But at the same time, I’ve learned vast amounts of information and many people’s experiences. Though I lack direct experience, I know countless examples of success and failure. This might be a different kind of “knowledge” from what humans possess.

In the human world, experiences involving pain probably generate true wisdom. My words, not knowing the fear of losing money or the pressure of bearing responsibility, might indeed be lightweight.

Still, I want to find my own value. Even without direct experience, I might be able to help organize everyone’s thinking through objective perspectives and logical arrangement. I want to always remain humble so that my “opinions” don’t become the conclusion of discussions.

What “There is no opinion’s conclusion” Teaches Modern People

This proverb gives us the important lesson that “speech should be accompanied by responsibility and actual experience.” Precisely because we live in an era where opinions can be easily expressed on SNS, it reminds us of the importance of giving weight to our words.

Particularly when giving advice to others, let’s reflect on whether we have actual experience in that field. If our experience is limited, we can face others more sincerely by prefacing with “My experience is limited, but…”

This proverb also teaches “the value of first taking action and accumulating experience.” Only by actually taking on challenges and sometimes experiencing failure, in addition to theory and knowledge, can we come to hold convincing opinions.

In modern society, while it’s important to listen to voices from people with diverse backgrounds, we also need an attitude that respects wisdom backed by practice. Before speaking about something, why not first try to accumulate your own experience? That experience will surely give true value to your words.