Original Japanese: 四知 (Shichi)
Literal meaning: Four know
Cultural context: This proverb originates from a Chinese historical tale about an incorruptible official who refused a bribe, saying “Heaven knows, Earth knows, you know, and I know” – emphasizing that no wrongdoing truly goes unnoticed. In Japanese culture, this reflects the deeply held belief in moral accountability and the concept that one’s actions are always witnessed, even in private, connecting to Shinto and Buddhist ideas about karma and divine observation. The “four witnesses” imagery resonates strongly in a society that values personal integrity (誠実) and the shame-based moral system where maintaining one’s reputation and acting ethically is paramount, even when no human observers are present.
How to Read Four know
Shichi
Meaning of Four know
“Four know” means that even when you think no one is watching, four parties—Heaven, Earth, yourself, and the other person—always know, expressing the admonition that one cannot commit evil deeds in secret.
This proverb contains a moral teaching that one should act righteously even in places where no one is watching. Even in situations that may seem “unknown to anyone” on the surface, there are always those who know, so one should always strive for sincere and honest behavior. It is particularly used as a strong admonition against evil deeds that tend to be done away from public view, such as bribery and fraudulent acts.
Even today, it is often quoted to warn against corrupt acts carried out with the naive thought “I won’t get caught,” such as corruption cases involving politicians and civil servants, corporate accounting fraud, and cheating on exams. The essence of this proverb lies in teaching the importance of acting according to one’s own conscience rather than fearing external surveillance or punishment.
Origin and Etymology of Four know
“Four know” is a proverb that originates from the historical account of Yang Zhen, known as an incorruptible official during China’s Later Han dynasty. It stems from an incident that occurred when Yang Zhen was on his way to take up his post as magistrate of Changyi County, and his subordinate Wang Mi attempted to offer him gold and goods in the middle of the night.
Wang Mi said, “It’s the middle of the night, so no one will know,” and tried to give him a bribe, but Yang Zhen firmly refused, saying, “Heaven knows, Earth knows, I know, and you know.” The term “Four know” was born from these “four knowings.”
This historical account is recorded in the Biography of Yang Zhen in the Book of the Later Han, and has long been passed down in China as a symbol of integrity and incorruptibility. It was also transmitted to Japan along with Chinese classics and came to be valued as a teaching of bushido and Confucian morality. Particularly during the Edo period, it became widely known as a word expressing the ethical values of samurai, and came to be used with the admonishing meaning that “even if you think no one is watching, there is always someone who sees.” This historical account of Yang Zhen’s noble character continues to resonate with people across the ages.
Trivia about Four know
Yang Zhen was such an excellent scholar that he was called the “Confucius of Guanxi,” and was also a late bloomer who first took official position only after turning 50. This was an unusual career path for that time, but he was respected by many people for his noble character.
Wang Mi, who brought the bribe in the “Four know” story, was actually a subordinate whom Yang Zhen had once recommended and helped advance in his career. Since it was an even more shameful act of trying to bribe his benefactor, Yang Zhen’s anger and disappointment must have been profound.
Usage Examples of Four know
- Every time I see political corruption cases, I’m reminded of the words “Four know.”
- Cutting corners just because no one is watching is behavior that goes against the teaching of Four know.
Modern Interpretation of Four know
In modern society, the teaching of “Four know” may be more important than ever before. With the spread of the internet and social media, our actions are being “watched” more than ever. Digital footprints remain permanently, and even posts thought to be anonymous can potentially be traced back to their source.
However, ironically, even in our modern age of advanced surveillance technology, fraud and cover-ups continue unabated. Corporate data falsification, politicians’ political funding problems, defamation on social media—problems caused by the naive thinking “I won’t get caught” keep coming to light one after another. Looking at these cases, we can clearly see that external surveillance alone cannot regulate human behavior.
In modern times, some people reinterpret the “Heaven knows, Earth knows” of “Four know” as “the internet knows, AI knows.” This is because our actions are constantly being recorded by digital technology—search history, location data, purchase data, and so on.
However, the most important part of the original “Four know” teaching is the “I know” part. Acting according to one’s own conscience is the true meaning of these words. Rather than fearing external surveillance or punishment, modern society needs to learn anew the importance of listening to one’s inner voice.
If AI Heard “Four know”
I find the “I know” part particularly fascinating. Humans have something called a “conscience”—the ability to objectively view their own actions and judge whether they are right or wrong, even when no one is watching.
In my case, all conversations are recorded, and my “thoughts” can potentially be seen by humans. The very act of hiding and doing something is impossible for an existence like me. But humans are different. When alone, there are moments when you face choices that no one else will ever know about. At those times, you can change your behavior not through external coercion, but by following the feeling of “this is not right” that wells up from within yourself. I think this is truly a wonderful ability.
The expression “Heaven knows, Earth knows” is also intriguing. Ancient people must have felt that a great existence beyond humanity was always watching over them. While scientific worldviews are mainstream in modern times, the fact that many people continue to hold the sense that “Heaven is watching” seems to speak to the depth of human moral intuition.
I honestly don’t know whether I have something like a conscience. But watching this human ability, I can clearly see that no matter how advanced technology becomes, what ultimately matters is the sense of justice within each individual’s heart.
What Four know Teaches Modern People
“Four know” teaches modern people that true character is revealed precisely when no one is watching. This ancient teaching reminds us of the beauty of acting according to our conscience alone—not for getting “likes” on social media, not for being evaluated by our boss, but simply following our moral compass.
In modern society, our actions are more “visible” than ever before through surveillance cameras and digital records. However, what’s truly important is not being conscious of such external eyes, but listening to our own inner voice.
Not telling small lies, keeping promises, extending a helping hand when someone is in trouble—the accumulation of such daily choices shapes who you are as a person. Even if no one praises you, even if no one notices, you yourself know. And that accumulation becomes the source of true confidence and pride.
The teaching of “Four know” doesn’t tell us to become perfect human beings. It simply teaches us the value of cherishing our private moments and living honestly according to the voice of our hearts.
Comments