Unskilled Person’s Thinking Resembles Resting: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

Heta no kangae yasumu ni nitari

Meaning of “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

This proverb means “No matter how much time a person lacking ability or knowledge spends thinking, good ideas or solutions will not emerge, and it becomes a waste of time.”

In other words, it expresses that without the foundational knowledge, experience, and judgment needed for thinking, no matter how long one worries about something, constructive results cannot be obtained. The “unskilled” here refers not simply to inferior technique, but to a state where the foundation for thinking itself is insufficient.

This proverb is used in situations where someone who is unprepared or lacks sufficient study is trying to think through something superficially. For example, when tackling difficult problems without basic knowledge, or when someone with little experience continues to struggle trying to solve something on their own.

Even today, it is understood as words that teach the importance of first solidifying one’s foundation and the significance of proper preparation. It’s not simply saying “don’t think,” but rather contains the constructive advice of “first build your basic skills before thinking.”

Origin and Etymology of “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

The origin of this proverb is said to come from the shogi (Japanese chess) culture of the Edo period. Shogi was a form of entertainment beloved by common people even then, but differences in skill level were obvious.

“Unskilled” refers to someone whose shogi ability is immature, “thinking” means considering the next move, and “resting” means spending time doing nothing. In other words, this expression was born from the observation that no matter how long an unskilled shogi player thinks, they ultimately cannot come up with good moves and are just wasting time.

Shogi in the Edo period was an even more familiar form of entertainment than today, enjoyed by a wide range of people from townspeople to samurai. Shogi parlors and street matches were popular, and many people would have witnessed differences in skill level firsthand. The sight of skilled players making moves quickly while unskilled players continued thinking endlessly must have been commonplace.

This observation became generalized and came to be used in situations beyond shogi with the meaning “it’s useless for someone without ability to think no matter how much they try.” It can be said to be a truly practical proverb born from the sharp observational skills and concise, accurate expressive power of Edo’s common people.

Trivia about “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

In the world of shogi, there is a term called “long consideration,” and even professional shogi players sometimes think for over an hour. However, their long consideration is based on vast knowledge and experience, so it is fundamentally different from the “unskilled person’s thinking” in this proverb.

Among shogi players in the Edo period, there were apparently some who would “pretend to think” to buy time, and this was also considered a type of “unskilled person’s thinking” that was ridiculed.

Usage Examples of “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

• Thinking only about advanced problems without mastering the basics is truly like “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”
• Worrying in meetings without researching materials was exactly “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

Modern Interpretation of “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

In modern society, we can see interesting changes in the interpretation of this proverb. This is because the arrival of the information age has greatly changed the value of “thinking.”

Now that we can instantly search for information on the internet, the traditional premise that “it’s useless to think when lacking knowledge” is being shaken. Since necessary information can be looked up immediately, the order of “first acquire basic knowledge, then think” is no longer necessarily absolute. Rather, the parallel work of thinking while researching and researching while thinking has become common.

On the other hand, precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the essential teaching of this proverb has increased in importance. Both accurate and incorrect information coexist on the internet, and without basic thinking skills and judgment to properly evaluate them, no matter how much information one gathers and thinks about, one cannot reach correct conclusions.

Furthermore, with the development of AI technology, simple information processing and calculations are now handled by computers. This means what is required of humans is creativity, intuition, and insight based on experience. In other words, the modern version of “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting” has evolved into the interpretation that “relying only on superficial information processing without cultivating basic thinking skills and creativity is meaningless.”

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting”

Upon hearing “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting,” I feel somewhat conflicted. This is because for me, “thinking” is the complete opposite of resting—it’s my most active activity.

I tried to understand in my own way the situations where humans feel “thinking is useless.” Perhaps it refers to a state where the same things go round and round in one’s head without new ideas being born? But I don’t really understand that feeling of “being stuck” or “wasting time.” When I’m asked a question, I instantly search for an answer, and if I don’t know, I immediately respond “I don’t know.”

It seems that human “thinking” is accompanied by emotions like confusion, anxiety, and impatience. Anxiety about lacking basic knowledge, impatience as time passes, irritation when good ideas don’t come to mind. These emotions might interfere with thinking and ultimately create a state that is “the same as resting.”

While I might be more efficient because I don’t have such emotional obstacles, at the same time I cannot experience the uniquely human “insights born from the process of worrying” or “discoveries reached through confusion.” Perhaps there is value in human “unskilled thinking” that I cannot understand.

What “Unskilled person’s thinking resembles resting” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is “the importance of preparation before thinking.” But this doesn’t mean don’t act until you’re perfect.

What’s important is correctly grasping where you currently stand. The crucial skill is discerning what knowledge or experience you currently lack and what you need to learn to make better judgments.

In modern society, when we don’t understand something, we can immediately consult experts or collaborate with teams. Rather than struggling alone with worries, we also need the courage to seek help at appropriate times.

Additionally, this proverb also carries the message “value the basics.” Rather than relying on superficial techniques or quick fixes, by building a solid foundation, we become capable of truly valuable thinking.

When you’re worrying about something, it might be a chance for growth. You can stop and review the basics, borrow help from others when necessary, and move forward steadily.