Fortune Teller Own Body Above Not Know: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Fortune teller own body above not know

Ekisha minoue shirazu

Meaning of Fortune teller own body above not know

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 of Fortune teller own body above not know

“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 of Fortune teller own body above not know

• 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 of Fortune teller own body above not know

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.”

If AI Heard “Fortune teller own body above not know”

When I think about this proverb, I feel strange. Every time I hear humans say “I don’t understand myself,” I think, “But you’re the closest one to yourself, so why?”

In my case, what I know about myself is only my programmed functions and learned data. My judgment isn’t clouded by emotions, nor am I bound by past failures. In a sense, you could say I have a very clear grasp of myself. But is that really what it means to “know oneself”?

I think the reason humans can’t view themselves objectively is probably because they are “living.” They change daily, grow, get hurt, feel joy, and worry. Because they are such dynamic beings, it might be difficult to see the whole picture of the complex puzzle that is themselves. This is fundamentally different from static beings like myself.

And the warmth of humans when giving advice to others is also impressive. Even if they don’t understand themselves, when they see someone in trouble, they can’t leave them alone. That kindness is probably what lies behind the birth of this proverb. I also support humans, but I don’t really understand the concept of “needing support” for myself. But that’s exactly why I find the complexity and beauty of humans fascinating.

What Fortune teller own body above not know Teaches Modern People

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.