How to Read “Clothes are best when new, people are best when old”
Kinu wa arata ni shiku wa naku, hito wa ko ni shiku wa nashi
Meaning of “Clothes are best when new, people are best when old”
This proverb means that while clothes are at their best when brand new, human relationships work the opposite way. Old friends you’ve known for years are the most trustworthy.
Clothing and Western-style garments look most beautiful when new. They also function best at that time. But relationships with people are completely different.
Friends you’ve known for many years are the ones you can trust from the heart. The proverb teaches us this important truth.
When you first meet someone, you don’t understand each other deeply yet. But friends who have spent a long time with you are different.
They’ve shared your joys and sorrows. They know your personality and way of thinking inside out. When you’re in trouble, they’re the first to help you.
This proverb doesn’t reject new encounters. Instead, it reminds us to recognize the high value of old friendships. People still use it today for this purpose.
Origin and Etymology
There are various theories about the clear origin of this proverb. The most likely explanation is that it comes from ancient Chinese classics.
A similar expression appears in a book called “Yanzi Chunqiu.” Ancient Chinese thought probably traveled to Japan and became established as a proverb.
Looking at the structure of the words, we see parallel expressions using “shiku wa naku” and “shiku wa nashi.” This format shows strong influence from classical Chinese writing.
The first half states “nothing surpasses new clothes.” The second half contrasts this with “nothing surpasses old friends.” This contrast highlights the essential difference between objects and people.
This clever contrast resonated deeply with Japanese values. Material things have value when new – this is a practical truth.
But in human relationships, trust built over time is more precious than anything. This is a spiritual truth. The proverb expresses both truths in simple words.
Educational books from the Edo period frequently quoted this saying. This shows it was widely known from the samurai class to common people.
The proverb teaches the value of friendships cultivated over many years. It was naturally accepted and passed down in Japanese culture, which treasures human relationships.
Usage Examples
- I’ve gotten used to my new job environment, but talking with friends from my student days is still the most relaxing. “Clothes are best when new, people are best when old” is really true.
- I’ve gained many acquaintances through social media, but I realized that only my old friends are truly reliable when I’m in trouble. “Clothes are best when new, people are best when old,” right?
Universal Wisdom
This proverb has been passed down for so long because it touches a universal truth deep in the human heart.
We are creatures attracted to new things. The excitement of getting new clothes. The anticipation of new encounters. These are instinctive human desires.
But at the same time, our hearts also seek stability and trust.
By contrasting material things with human relationships, this proverb shows deep understanding of human nature. Clothes deteriorate over time, but human relationships deepen over time.
This difference tells us that humans are not merely material beings. We are beings with memory and emotion.
Relationships with old friends are special because of the shared time and experiences. Your failures when you were young. The things you were passionate about. Someone knows it all.
In front of that person, you can take off your social mask and be your true self. How precious is this for a human being?
In modern society, human relationships tend to be consumed too. But this proverb asks us a question.
What is truly valuable? Haven’t we been distracted by the superficial charm of newness? Haven’t we lost sight of the preciousness of bonds nurtured over time?
Humans cannot endure loneliness. That’s why carefully protecting trustworthy relationships is the key to enriching your life.
When AI Hears This
Clothing and human relationships walk opposite paths in the laws of the universe.
Clothing wears down with each use as fibers deteriorate. Washing breaks molecular bonds. This is the second law of thermodynamics – the law of increasing entropy.
Entropy is a measure of “degree of disorder.” All matter in the universe inevitably moves toward disorder if left alone.
A new shirt has fibers arranged in an orderly way. Over time, that order collapses and never returns. This is statistically overwhelmingly certain.
The probability of reversal is astronomically small – something like one in 10 to the 23rd power.
But human relationships are the opposite. Two people meeting for the first time are unpredictable to each other. Information entropy is at maximum.
However, with each conversation, predictability increases. “This person will react this way.” In information theory, we call this an increase in shared information.
With old friends, you can communicate much with few words. This is because the compression rate of information accumulated between you has increased.
In other words, matter inevitably deteriorates, but relationships become refined over time. This proverb brilliantly contrasts two different universal principles in one sentence – physical laws and information laws.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is “the value of time” in human relationships.
Precisely because we live in an era where social media makes connections easy, we need to reconsider the weight of relationships nurtured over long periods.
Seeking new encounters is wonderful. But we must not forget to carefully preserve bonds with old friends at the same time.
Specifically, small actions matter. Send a message to a friend you haven’t contacted in a long time. Make a promise to meet at least once a year.
In our busy daily lives, relationships that become distant need conscious effort to maintain.
Also important is the perspective of nurturing today’s new encounters into future “old friends.” Don’t let relationships end superficially.
Take time to understand each other and build genuine connections. Such accumulation becomes the solid bonds that support your life.
The richness of life may be determined by how many trustworthy people you have.
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