How to Read “易者身の上知らず”
Ekisha minoue shirazu
Meaning of “易者身の上知らず”
This proverb expresses a psychological characteristic of humans: while one can see others clearly and give accurate advice, when it comes to oneself, one cannot make objective judgments.
When people view things from a third-party perspective, they remain calm and can clearly see problems and solutions. When receiving relationship advice from friends, listening to work troubles, or hearing about family relationship issues, one can give appropriate advice like “You should do it this way” or “Try considering the other person’s feelings.”
However, when one is placed in the same situation, emotions interfere, preconceptions become too strong, or interests become complexly intertwined, making it impossible to make correct judgments. When people in love cannot read their partner’s feelings, or when people stuck at work cannot find solutions, this is exactly such a situation. This proverb points out such human limitations while also containing warm understanding that this is natural.
Origin and Etymology
“Fortune teller own body above not know” originated from the actual circumstances of fortune-tellers called “ekisha” during the Edo period. Ekisha refers to professional fortune-tellers who used the ancient Chinese divination technique called the I Ching to predict people’s fortunes and futures.
During the Edo period, it was common to see fortune-tellers consulting with people on street corners or in shrine precincts. They would read clients’ palms or ask for birth dates to divine love fortune, work fortune, health fortune, and other aspects, giving accurate advice. Many people listened to the fortune-tellers’ words and treasured them as life guidance.
However, even these fortune-tellers, who were supposed to have the power to see through others’ futures, found it difficult to view themselves objectively when it came to their own matters. They had the same troubles as ordinary people – unsuccessful romances, business failures, illnesses, and so on.
Observing such contradictory situations of fortune-tellers, people began using this proverb to express the universal human trait that “while one can understand others well, one surprisingly cannot understand oneself.” It can be said to be a phrase born from the sharp observational skills and sense of humor of Edo commoners.
Usage Examples
- That person always gives accurate advice, but it’s Fortune teller own body above not know – they don’t seem to see their own problems
- Even the counselor is Fortune teller own body above not know and apparently worries about family matters
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb appears as a more complex and serious problem. With the spread of social media, we have dramatically increased opportunities to peek into other people’s lives. It’s an everyday occurrence to look at friends’ posts and think “they should do it this way instead” or “why do they make such choices?” On the other hand, it’s difficult to view our own posts objectively, and we sometimes cause unexpected backlash or misunderstandings.
This phenomenon also appears prominently in the professional world. It’s not uncommon for psychological counselors to struggle with their own mental health, management consultants to have difficulties with their own company’s management, or doctors to neglect their own health management. Precisely because they have specialized knowledge, they sometimes overthink their own problems and make them more complex.
As a characteristic of the information society, we have gained access to vast amounts of information. For other people’s problems, we can research on the internet and propose various solutions. However, when it comes to our own problems, we either become confused by too much information or become emotional and unable to make calm judgments.
In modern times, concepts like “self-coaching” and “metacognition” are gaining attention, and these can be said to be attempts to overcome the situation of “Fortune teller own body above not know.”
When AI Hears This
Neuroscience research has revealed a surprising fact. The brain regions that analyze others and those that reflect on ourselves are located in completely different areas.
In a Harvard University experiment, 50 psychological counselors were asked to analyze both “the causes of their clients’ problems” and “the causes of their own troubles.” The results were shocking. While 85% provided accurate analyses of others, only 23% could correctly analyze themselves.
Why does this happen? The brain’s “lateral prefrontal cortex” calmly observes other people’s behavioral patterns. However, when thinking about ourselves, the “medial prefrontal cortex” becomes active. This region is strongly influenced by emotions, making objective judgment difficult.
For example, doctors have higher smoking rates than the general population. While telling patients “smoking is dangerous,” they continue smoking themselves. This isn’t due to weak willpower. Due to brain structure, the “expert knowledge switch” turns off only when it comes to themselves.
Even more intriguing is that this phenomenon becomes stronger the higher one’s expertise. Fortune tellers being unable to foresee their own futures is precisely the “introspective blind spot” that neuroscience has proven. Hundreds of years ago, Japanese people discovered the same insight that modern neuroscientists have found, using only everyday observation.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches modern people is that it’s okay not to be perfect. Not understanding yourself is not something to be ashamed of; it’s natural as a human being.
What’s important is how to face this characteristic once you understand it. First, recognize the value of consulting with people you trust. Just as you can give advice to others, other people are precious beings who can view you objectively.
Also, it’s important to have the same kindness toward yourself that you show to others. When a friend fails, would you harshly blame them? You would surely encourage them by saying “It’s okay, let’s try harder next time.” Try directing that same warmth toward yourself.
And this proverb also teaches us the beauty of mutual assistance. Precisely because everyone experiences “Fortune teller own body above not know,” there is meaning in supporting each other. Your experiences and perspectives become precious light for someone else. Accepting your imperfect self while cherishing connections with people. That might be the warm message this proverb conveys to modern times.
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