How to Read “Without them seven habits, with them forty-eight habits”
Nakute nana kuse atte shijūhachi kuse
Meaning of “Without them seven habits, with them forty-eight habits”
This proverb reveals a fundamental truth about human nature. Everyone has quirks and habits, without exception.
People who seem especially quirky have a surprisingly large number of habits.
Even someone who appears to have no habits will reveal about seven quirks if you observe them closely enough.
And if someone is already known for having many habits, that number can reach as high as forty-eight.
This expression contains a tolerant perspective. It recognizes the diversity of human personality and behavior patterns.
People use this proverb when pointing out someone’s habits or when becoming aware of their own quirks.
It stands on the premise that “no one is perfect.” The proverb accepts habits as part of being human.
Rather than being critical, it carries a positive tone. It finds interest in observing people and affirms human imperfection.
Even today, this universal truth still applies when we talk about people’s personalities and behaviors.
Origin and Etymology
No clear written records document the origin of this proverb. However, we can make interesting observations from its structure.
Let’s focus on the combination of “seven” and “forty-eight.” Japanese proverbs often use numbers not to show exact amounts.
Instead, they contrast “few” with “many.” Seven represents a relatively small number. Forty-eight represents a very large number in traditional usage.
Japanese has a tradition of using “forty-eight” to mean “countless.” You can see this in expressions like “forty-eight techniques” and “forty-eight types of tea.”
This proverb likely emerged from the wisdom of observing people. When you try to count someone’s habits, something interesting happens.
Habits you didn’t notice at first keep appearing the more closely you look. The proverb probably came from this common experience.
The first part, “without them seven habits,” means even people who seem to have no habits actually have at least seven.
The second part, “with them forty-eight habits,” creates a contrast. If someone is already recognized as having many habits, that number reaches as high as forty-eight.
This dramatic jump in numbers impressively conveys the diversity and universality of human quirks.
Usage Examples
- I thought he was neat and perfectionist, but after living together, “without them seven habits, with them forty-eight habits” proved true—I kept discovering surprising sides of him
- I thought I had no strange habits, but my friend pointed them out. “Without them seven habits, with them forty-eight habits” is really well said
Universal Wisdom
“Without them seven habits, with them forty-eight habits” offers a profound insight. Human imperfection is proof of our humanity.
We sometimes try to become perfect people. We sometimes demand perfection from others.
But this proverb gently teaches us a truth. Even people who seem admirable have habits. Even people with strong self-discipline have quirks.
These habits aren’t flaws. They’re evidence of being alive.
Why has this proverb been passed down for so long? It contains wisdom that softens friction in human relationships.
When someone’s habits bother you, remember this proverb. You’ll realize “I have just as many habits myself.” This brings humility.
You no longer need to pretend to be perfect.
Human habits are that person’s history itself. The environment they grew up in, their experiences, the values they’ve cherished—all of these accumulate.
They emerge as unconscious behaviors. Whether seven or forty-eight, each habit carries that person’s life story.
This proverb continues to convey something across time. It shows the fascination of observing people.
It teaches tolerance in accepting each other as imperfect beings. Because we’re not perfect, we’re human.
When AI Hears This
The human brain has an outward-facing camera but no inward-facing one. This is a structural problem.
For example, you have no idea how many times you’re blinking right now. You don’t notice what hand movements you make when talking.
This happens because attention resources are optimized for external observation.
The ratio in this proverb is fascinating. The 7 to 48 ratio, about seven times different, quantitatively expresses what cognitive science calls “asymmetry of observer effect.”
Your ability to spot others’ habits is seven times stronger than your ability to notice your own. This results from how the brain evolved.
The brain prioritized developing “prediction of others’ behavior” necessary for survival. The ability to detect hostility or lies from subtle movements could mean life or death.
But knowing your own habits offers almost no survival advantage.
What’s more serious is this: when you try to observe yourself, the act of observation changes your behavior.
The moment you check your expression in a mirror, it’s no longer your usual expression. Metacognition—observing your own thoughts—alters what you’re observing.
This resembles the observation problem in quantum mechanics. This proverb empirically captures how humans are fundamentally blind to self-awareness.
Lessons for Today
This proverb teaches modern people something reassuring. Both you and others are “imperfect, and that’s normal.”
Have you ever seen someone’s perfect-looking social media posts and felt like you’re the only failure? But remember this.
That person definitely has habits too. They carry imperfect parts you can’t see. Just as you worry about your habits, they might worry about theirs.
What matters isn’t desperately trying to eliminate your habits. It’s knowing your habits and checking if they bother others.
And when you notice someone’s habits, don’t criticize them. Have the generosity to accept them as “part of who they are.”
At work or at home, constantly playing the perfect person is exhausting. Relationships where you can acknowledge your habits and sometimes laugh about them are much healthier and longer-lasting.
Your habits are proof you’ve lived. You don’t need to be ashamed of them.
However, you also need courage to face habits that hurt others or hinder your growth. Don’t affirm all habits blindly.
Change what you can change to become a better person. This balance is the life wisdom this proverb teaches.
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