How to Read “It’s mysterious when things match, and mysterious when they don’t”
Au mo fushigi, awanu mo fushigi
Meaning of “It’s mysterious when things match, and mysterious when they don’t”
This proverb means that compatibility between people is mysterious. It can’t be explained by logic or reason.
When you get along with someone, you naturally connect with them. Being together feels comfortable and easy. But it’s hard to explain why this happens.
The same is true when you don’t get along with someone. Sometimes you just can’t connect with certain people. And you can’t really explain why that happens either.
This proverb teaches us not to force reasons for relationships. Instead, accept them as mysterious connections. Don’t try too hard to understand why.
People use this saying in different situations. You might say it when you instantly click with someone new. Or when you can’t seem to connect with someone no matter how hard you try.
Everyone has experienced this in modern life. Sometimes you meet someone for the first time but talk like old friends. Other times, you meet someone many times but never feel close.
This proverb perfectly describes these unexplainable parts of human relationships.
Origin and Etymology
There are no clear historical records about where this proverb came from. But we can learn interesting things from how the words are put together.
The proverb uses two opposite words: “match” and “don’t match.” But both lead to the same conclusion: “mysterious.” This structure reflects traditional Japanese thinking.
Many experts believe Buddhist ideas about fate and destiny influenced this saying. It shows the belief that some things are beyond human understanding.
People try to explain why they get along with some people and not others. But logic can never fully explain it. Something always remains unexplained.
This proverb expresses that mystery beautifully by using contrasting phrases.
The saying probably came from everyday life during the Edo period. Common people experienced many types of relationships: love, friendship, and business connections.
Through these experiences, they gained wisdom. They learned that human connections can’t be explained by logic alone. The word “mysterious” helps people accept this.
Using opposite words that lead to the same conclusion is interesting. This shows Eastern thinking. It doesn’t see things as simply black or white. Instead, it looks for deeper truth beyond opposites.
Usage Examples
- Those two people hit it off from the day they met. It’s mysterious when things match, and mysterious when they don’t.
- We’ve worked together many times but never really clicked. I guess it’s mysterious when things match, and mysterious when they don’t.
Universal Wisdom
Humans are rational beings. But we’re also greatly influenced by emotions and intuition. This proverb has been passed down for generations because it captures something important.
It explains compatibility, which is very common but very hard to understand.
Every day we meet and interact with different people. Something we can’t explain logically connects us deeply with some people. With others, we feel distance no matter what.
Education, social status, and shared hobbies don’t guarantee compatibility. Sometimes people with completely different backgrounds connect deeply. Other times, people with everything in common don’t click at all.
This mystery is what makes relationships deep and meaningful. It’s also what makes life rich and interesting.
Imagine if everything could be explained by logic. Imagine if we could calculate and control all relationships. Life would be very boring and empty.
Our ancestors used the word “mysterious” to describe unexplainable connections. This warned against the arrogance of trying to control relationships.
At the same time, it gave hope. It reminded people that unpredictable meetings are always possible.
Recognizing that something beyond logic connects people is important. It teaches us to live humbly. This is the first step to a good life.
When AI Hears This
Whether people “match” or “don’t match” is actually like chaos theory. Specifically, it’s about sensitivity to initial conditions.
Think about meeting someone for the first time. Maybe they smile 0.2 seconds earlier or later. Maybe their first word is “hello” instead of “hi.” These tiny differences can lead relationships in completely different directions.
In chaos theory, even systems with clear rules can be unpredictable. A tiny difference at the start grows exponentially over time.
Human relationships work the same way. The first impression affects the next conversation. That conversation affects the next attitude. That attitude affects the next reaction. This chain continues.
Through this amplification process, a 0.1 millimeter difference at the start becomes a 1 meter difference at the end. A small difference at first meeting can create opposite results: “lifelong friend” or “never see again.”
What’s interesting is that this isn’t random. It’s mathematically inevitable.
Human relationships do have rules. We smile back at smiles. We respond to kindness with goodwill. These are patterns.
But the initial conditions are too delicate to measure. So the results can’t be predicted. That’s why “it’s mysterious when things match, and mysterious when they don’t.”
It’s determined but unpredictable. This is the essence of chaos. And it’s also the essence of human relationships.
Lessons for Today
Modern society values efficiency and rationality. People even try to “optimize” relationships through dating apps and social media.
But this proverb reminds us of something important.
Human connections can’t be measured by conditions or specifications alone. Someone might look perfect on paper. Their resume might match yours perfectly. But when you actually meet, something feels off.
The opposite also happens. Sometimes you form deep friendships or love with completely unexpected people.
That’s why we should stay humble about meeting people. Don’t decide “I won’t get along with this person” before trying. Actually interact with them first.
And when you really don’t connect with someone, don’t blame yourself or them. Simply accept that the connection wasn’t there.
At the same time, keep your heart open to unexpected meetings. The encounter that changes your life might come from an unexpected place in an unexpected way.
By believing in mysterious connections beyond logic, life becomes richer and full of surprises.
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