How to Read “嘘から出たまこと”
Uso kara deta makoto
Meaning of “嘘から出たまこと”
“Truth that came out from lie” means that something initially said as a lie or made-up story eventually becomes true.
This proverb expresses the unexpected power that human words possess. It refers to the phenomenon where casual jokes or offhand remarks made to get by in the moment become reality as time passes. It is used in situations when light-hearted predictions or guesses turn out to be correct, or when something discussed half-jokingly actually comes to pass.
The reason for using this expression is to convey surprise at the mysterious power of words and admiration for coincidental occurrences. Even today, this phrase fits perfectly when casual posts on social media become reality, or when topics that came up in casual conversations with friends actually happen. It’s an expression that makes us aware that words can have unimaginable influence.
Origin and Etymology
Regarding the origin of “Truth that came out from lie,” there is actually no clear documentary evidence. However, looking at the structure of this proverb reveals the unique sensibility that Japanese people have long held toward words.
The word “makoto” is an ancient term meaning “truth,” and was a much weightier concept than the modern “hontou” (really/truly). It frequently appeared in Heian period literary works, referring not to mere facts but to the truth deep within one’s heart.
On the other hand, “uso” (lie) was used as a broad concept that included not only intentional falsehoods but also light jokes and spontaneous remarks. In Edo period common culture, the idea that “lies can be expedient” took root through rakugo storytelling and kodan narrative performances, and lies were not necessarily viewed as bad things.
The background to this proverb’s creation is thought to lie in the uniquely Japanese belief in “kotodama” (word spirits). This is the belief that souls dwell in words and that spoken words attract reality. Even words spoken lightly can sometimes invoke unexpected truths, reflecting a sense of awe for the mysterious power that words possess.
Usage Examples
- Who would have thought that the job change I mentioned as a joke would actually come true – it’s truly Truth that came out from lie
- My random weather forecast turned out to be accurate, and now Truth that came out from lie has everyone calling me a meteorologist
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Truth that came out from lie” has become a more familiar phenomenon than ever before. Particularly with the spread of social media and the internet, cases where casual remarks unexpectedly become reality have increased dramatically.
Light posts on Twitter or Instagram can prompt followers to take action, ultimately causing real events to occur. For example, a joking post saying “it would be nice if such a service existed” might motivate someone to actually develop that service, or a casual comment like “those two should date” might become the actual catalyst for their romance.
Moreover, in modern times, the speed of information dissemination has increased dramatically, raising the risk of lies and jokes taking on a life of their own and becoming truth. As fake news has become a social problem, the power of unintended information to influence reality is incomparably stronger than in the past.
On the other hand, this phenomenon also serves as a source of creativity and innovation. It’s not uncommon for entrepreneurs and creators to see ideas that began with “what if” thinking actually materialize as real businesses or works. We can say that modern society has become an era where the creative power of words manifests more prominently.
When AI Hears This
The modern “fiction economy” perfectly embodies the value creation mechanism of “truth emerging from lies.” Netflix alone generates approximately $32 billion in annual revenue and employs over 10,000 people, yet its entire foundation rests on “made-up stories.”
The core of this phenomenon lies in the “materialization of shared fiction.” The Marvel Cinematic Universe, an imaginary world, has actually created hundreds of thousands of jobs and generated over $200 billion in economic impact. Superheroes don’t exist, but the collective consciousness of audiences who believe in these “lies” has built very real industrial infrastructure: film studios, special effects companies, merchandise manufacturers, and theme parks.
What’s even more fascinating is how fiction drives real technological innovation. Star Trek’s communicators became the prototype for smartphones, and Minority Report’s touch screens were brought to life. Fiction presents visions of the future, and people’s efforts to realize these visions create entirely new industries.
In the gaming industry, the completely fictional world of Fortnite generates $5 billion annually and has even birthed new forms of entertainment like virtual concerts. What was once a “lie” of virtual space has become a very real source of income for artists and a new workplace for architects and designers.
Lessons for Today
“Truth that came out from lie” teaches modern people about the creative power of words and the importance of having a heart that accepts coincidence.
We speak many words daily, but each one may hold unexpected possibilities. Even light jokes or casual ideas, by voicing them, might become the first step toward realization. This proverb teaches us the value of putting things into words first, even without perfect plans or certain evidence.
Also, when unexpected events occur, rather than dismissing them as mere coincidence, it’s important to recognize the power our own words possessed. By doing so, we can take more responsibility for our usual remarks while simultaneously becoming more creative.
In modern society, there’s a tendency to refrain from speaking out of fear of risk, but this proverb gives us courage. Even if imperfect, try expressing what comes to mind. The accumulation of such efforts might attract wonderfully unexpected realities.
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