How to Read “Right and wrong become clear through the proper way”
Zehi wa michi ni yotte kashikoshi
Meaning of “Right and wrong become clear through the proper way”
This proverb means that when judging whether something is right or wrong, the answer naturally becomes clear if you follow universal principles of reason.
People often make wrong judgments because emotions or personal interests cloud their thinking. What someone you like does seems right, while what someone you dislike does seems wrong.
We interpret things in ways that benefit us. Everyone has experienced this.
However, this proverb teaches the importance of stepping away from subjective judgment. It tells us to return to the objective standard of “reason.”
Reason means the universal path of correctness that transcends time and position. When you think based on ethics, logical consistency, and fairness, confusion clears and the right judgment appears.
Even today, when facing complex problems, we can find clear answers. We do this by setting aside emotions and self-interest for a moment.
We simply ask ourselves: “Does this align with reason?”
Origin and Etymology
The exact source of this proverb is unclear. However, we can make interesting observations from how the words are structured.
“Zehi” means right and wrong, good and evil. “Michi” doesn’t just mean road or path.
Since ancient times, it has carried the deeper meaning of “reason” or “the proper way.” In Confucian thought, “michi” represents the universal principle that people should follow.
This concept has been widely accepted in Japan. “Kashikoshi” is an old word meaning “clear” or “evident.”
When you combine these three elements, a structure emerges. It says that judgments of right and wrong naturally become clear when measured against the reliable standard of reason.
This proverb likely formed in Japan while influenced by Confucian thought.
The choice of “kashikoshi” is noteworthy. In modern Japanese, “kashikoi” describes a person’s intelligence.
But in classical language, it described a state where things are clear. This proverb doesn’t say that following reason makes the judge smarter.
It says the judgment itself becomes clear. It emphasizes objective clarity rather than human subjective wisdom. This is a truly logical expression.
Usage Examples
- Opinions clashed at the meeting, but as “Right and wrong become clear through the proper way” suggests, the answer became obvious when we returned to the spirit of the law
- I was about to get emotional, but I reminded myself that “Right and wrong become clear through the proper way” and decided to judge from a fair perspective
Universal Wisdom
Humans are emotional creatures. Likes and dislikes, gains and losses, pride, fear. Our judgments are constantly swayed by these movements of the heart.
That’s why ancient people identified the unwavering standard called “reason.” They taught the importance of returning to it.
The deep truth this proverb speaks is that correctness is not something humans create. It’s something we discover.
Independent of our emotions or convenience, things have an inherent proper way. When we follow it, the answer naturally becomes clear.
This wisdom also warns against human arrogance and encourages humility.
What’s interesting is that this proverb shows a “method” for judgment. It doesn’t demand the result of “be correct.”
Instead, it shows the process: “think according to reason.” Even if results can’t be guaranteed, following the right method leads to the right answer.
This trust has been the foundation supporting human society.
The choice of “kashikoshi” is also suggestive. What you gain by following reason isn’t special wisdom or talent.
It’s “clarity.” Anyone who uses the standard of reason can reach the same clear answer.
This is a democratic and egalitarian idea. Truth doesn’t belong only to a few wise people. It’s open to all who follow reason.
When AI Hears This
Think about a digital image. The same photo data appears as a compressed image when opened as JPEG.
As a high-resolution image when opened as RAW. As meaningless characters when opened in a text editor.
The information itself hasn’t changed. But what you see completely changes depending on which “tool (codec)” you use to read it. This is reference frame dependency.
What’s interesting is that there’s no answer to which is the “correct form.” JPEG isn’t wrong and RAW isn’t the only right answer.
The appropriate format simply differs by purpose. In information theory, the “right and wrong” of data cannot exist without evaluation criteria.
This perfectly matches the structure this proverb describes.
It also resembles the observer problem in quantum mechanics. A device measuring an electron’s position reveals position but makes momentum unclear.
A device measuring momentum does the opposite. Which device (way) you choose fundamentally changes the answer (right and wrong) you get.
Without specifying the reference frame of the observation device, the electron’s state isn’t determined.
Ancient people experientially grasped the core of modern physics and information theory. They understood that truth depends on the observation system.
The instruction to clarify “which standard are you measuring by” before seeking “absolute correctness” is the starting point of scientific thinking itself.
Lessons for Today
Modern times overflow with information. Various values intersect. On social media, completely opposite opinions fly about the same event.
You might not know what’s right anymore.
In such times, this proverb offers you an important guideline. It’s the habit of not being swept away by emotions or atmosphere.
Instead, ask yourself: “Does this align with reason?”
Reason isn’t something difficult. Is it logically consistent? Is it fair? Does it align with human ethics?
Simply returning to these basic questions reveals things to you.
What’s especially important is having this perspective precisely when you’re about to make a convenient judgment for yourself. “How would I feel if I were in the opposite position?”
“Could I explain this to a child?” By asking these questions, the standard of reason becomes visible.
Making correct judgments doesn’t require special talent. Think according to the reliable standard of reason.
That alone makes your judgment clear. You can act with confidence. When you’re lost, remember this wisdom.
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