How to Read “人を以て鑑と為す”
Hito wo motte kagami to nasu
Meaning of “人を以て鑑と為す”
“Using person as mirror make” means to use others as a mirror to reflect upon oneself, correcting one’s words, actions, and character.
This doesn’t simply mean imitating others. By observing the actions of excellent people, we recognize our own shortcomings, and by seeing people who behave badly, we reflect on whether we are making the same mistakes. Just as a mirror reflects our appearance, we objectively view our inner selves and actions through the image of others, finding areas for improvement.
This proverb is used when encouraging self-reflection or character improvement. It is particularly often used by those in leadership positions when teaching subordinates or juniors about the importance of humility and a learning attitude. It is also used to express an attitude of trying to learn from others’ success stories or failure examples when experiencing setbacks or failures. Even today, this proverb is frequently quoted in the context of leadership theory and self-development when explaining the importance of learning from others.
Origin and Etymology
“Using person as mirror make” is said to originate from the words of Emperor Taizong of Tang recorded in the ancient Chinese historical text “Old Book of Tang.” Taizong stated, “Using copper as mirror make, one can straighten clothing and crown. Using antiquity as mirror make, one can know rise and fall. Using person as mirror make, one can clarify gains and losses.”
These words were spoken by Taizong when mourning the death of his loyal retainer Wei Zheng. Wei Zheng was a person who would offer frank advice even to the emperor, and Taizong valued him as a “human mirror.” When Wei Zheng died, Taizong lamented, “I have lost three mirrors,” one of which was the “mirror of people.”
“Kagami” (鑑) refers to bronze mirrors used in ancient China, essential tools for grooming oneself. Taizong believed that just as copper mirrors reflect one’s appearance, people can also become mirrors that reflect one’s inner self and actions. This philosophy aligned with Confucian teachings and was transmitted to Japan where it took root. In Japan, it began appearing in literature around the Heian period and is thought to have become widely used among rulers and scholars.
Usage Examples
- Using person as mirror make from that senior’s work attitude, I should also approach my work more carefully
- By using person as mirror make from his failure, I was able to avoid making the same mistake
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the concept of “Using person as mirror make” has taken on more complex and multifaceted meanings. With the spread of social media and the internet, we now have opportunities to encounter the lifestyles and values of far more people than ever before. However, this has also created new challenges.
In an age of information overload, choosing who to use as a “mirror” has become more important. While we tend to admire the glamorous aspects of influencers and celebrities, we often overlook the effort and hardship behind them. Additionally, more people are damaging their self-esteem by comparing themselves too much with others.
On the other hand, new interpretations unique to our modern era have emerged. In a society that values diversity, the importance of learning different values and ways of life from various people, rather than pursuing a single ideal image, is being recognized. With the spread of remote work, opportunities to learn from colleagues and supervisors we never meet in person have increased, expanding the scope of “using people as mirrors” beyond geographical constraints.
In modern times, when using others as mirrors, a balance between critical thinking and empathy is required. An attitude that seeks to deeply understand a person’s values and humanity, not just superficial success or failure, leads to richer learning.
When AI Hears This
The ancient Chinese wisdom of “using people as mirrors” was an introspective practice of calmly observing others’ failures and successes to reflect on one’s own actions. However, in today’s social media era, this act of “using others as mirrors” has fundamentally transformed.
The most striking change is how the focus of observation has shifted from “lessons to be learned” to “achievements to be compared.” When we scroll through Instagram or Twitter posts, we unconsciously judge whether we’re “better or worse than that person.” Psychological research shows that 70% of people who use social media for more than two hours daily experience anxiety from comparing themselves to others.
Even more troubling is that today’s “mirrors” are severely distorted. Content posted on social media represents a deliberately curated and filtered “highlight reel of life.” When we measure ourselves against these false mirrors, feelings of inadequacy inevitably arise. While ancient sages learned from others’ “failures” as well, modern people are constantly shown others’ “successes,” breeding not wisdom but envy and restlessness.
Originally, “using people as mirrors” meant deeply examining one’s inner self through observing others’ lives. Now it has devolved into a tool of external dependency, where we determine our self-worth based on others’ validation. This reversal lies at the very heart of the pathology of validation-seeking that plagues modern society.
Lessons for Today
What “Using person as mirror make” teaches us today is that there is no end to a learning attitude. The humility to constantly try to learn something from people around us, regardless of age or position, is the secret to continuing to grow as a person.
This teaching becomes even more important in today’s rapidly changing society. With new technologies and values constantly emerging, our own experience and knowledge alone have limits. There should be things to learn from each: a colleague’s efficient way of working, a junior’s fresh ideas, a senior’s life experience.
What’s important is not finding perfect people. Every person has both points to learn from and points that serve as negative examples. We can learn attitudes and methods from successful people, and points to be careful about from those who are failing.
Why don’t you start looking at people around you with new eyes from today? You’ll surely make wonderful discoveries you never noticed before. Everyone is a precious mirror that helps your growth.
Comments