How to Read “弘法にも筆の誤り”
Koubou nimo fude no ayamari
Meaning of “弘法にも筆の誤り”
“Even Kobo has brush mistakes” means that no matter how excellent a person’s skills are, they can sometimes make failures or mistakes.
This proverb is used when someone with very high skills or knowledge in their specialized field makes a basic mistake that they would normally never make. Since even Kobo Daishi, a master of calligraphy, could make brush mistakes, it’s natural for ordinary people to fail – this expression is used to convey comfort, or conversely, to express surprise when seeing a master’s failure, thinking “even that person can make such mistakes.”
In modern times, when professionals or experts in their field make unexpected mistakes, it’s often used in contexts where people around them show understanding or comfort rather than blame for the failure. In today’s society where perfection is often demanded, it’s cherished as a warm expression that shows tolerance for human-like failures.
Origin and Etymology
The “Kobo” in “Even Kobo has brush mistakes” refers to Kobo Daishi Kukai (774-835), a monk from the early Heian period known as a master of calligraphy. Kukai is famous as the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, but was also so excellent at calligraphy that he was counted among the “Three Brushes” (Sanpitsu).
Several theories are passed down regarding the origin of this proverb. The most famous theory is based on an anecdote that when Kukai wrote the plaque for Oten-mon Gate, he forgot to add one dot to the character “応” (ō), and later threw his brush to add the missing dot. However, this story is considered likely to be a later creation.
In reality, the exact origin of this proverb is unclear, but it’s thought to have begun being used around the Muromachi period. Because Kukai’s reputation was so high, it probably spread among people with the meaning that even he could make mistakes.
By the Edo period, it had already established itself as a common proverb and appears in various literary works. By using Kukai, a master of calligraphy, as an example, this proverb embodies Japanese wisdom that expresses the universal truth that no matter how excellent a person is, they are not perfect.
Interesting Facts
Kobo Daishi Kukai was excellent not only at calligraphy but also as a civil engineering technician. Records remain showing that he undertook the repair work of Manno Pond in Kagawa Prefecture, completing it in a short time using innovative construction methods for that era.
Legends about Kukai exist throughout the country, with stories of “Kobo’s wells” and “Kobo’s springs” – tales of him striking the ground with his staff to make water spring forth – passed down in various locations. The number of such stories is said to exceed 1,000, demonstrating Kukai’s great popularity.
Usage Examples
- Even that famous chef can make seasoning mistakes – it’s truly “Even Kobo has brush mistakes”
- For a programming expert to create a bug from a simple typo is really “Even Kobo has brush mistakes”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, with the spread of social media and the internet, we live in an era where experts’ and celebrities’ failures are instantly broadcast worldwide. In such an environment, the proverb “Even Kobo has brush mistakes” has taken on even more important meaning.
Particularly in our information society, with the development of AI and automation technology, tolerance for human mistakes tends to be lower than before. Since machines operate accurately 24 hours a day, harsh scrutiny is often directed at why humans make errors. However, this is precisely why the teaching of this proverb – that “no human is perfect” – serves as emotional support for modern people.
On the other hand, the weight of responsibility demanded of professionals has also increased. Doctors’ diagnostic errors, engineers’ design mistakes, teachers’ instructional errors – situations where experts’ failures have major impacts have become more common. Therefore, rather than using this proverb as a mere excuse, the attitude of learning from failures and working to prevent recurrence is emphasized.
In modern times, a culture has emerged that values openly sharing failures with transparency rather than hiding them, and gaining learning from them. “Even Kobo has brush mistakes” aligns with modern values that accept failure and view it as an opportunity for growth.
When AI Hears This
Kobo Daishi’s “brush error” was most likely evidence of creative challenge.
In the world of calligraphy, those with perfect technique are the ones who pursue new forms of expression. For example, they try different ways of holding the brush or explore unconventional character forms. These experimental attempts become the source that later gives birth to innovative writing styles and techniques.
Psychological research shows that experts experience more “creative failures” than others. This is because having established foundational skills allows them to leave their comfort zone and venture into new territories. In other words, Kobo Daishi’s brush error may not have been a simple careless mistake, but rather the result of an active challenge to expand the possibilities of calligraphy.
Indeed, today’s top-tier artists and craftspeople are the same. Ceramic artists intentionally change glaze compositions to explore unexpected colors, and chefs discover original flavors by repeatedly failing with new combinations.
The true value of this proverb lies in the attitude of continuing to challenge without fearing failure. The “errors” committed by master-level individuals are actually important clues to the next stage. Failure is not merely a mistake, but rather a necessary investment in growth.
Lessons for Today
“Even Kobo has brush mistakes” teaches modern people the importance of being freed from perfectionism. Precisely because we live in an era where we tend to blame ourselves after seeing only others’ successes on social media, the warmth of this proverb resonates in our hearts.
Rather than not challenging ourselves for fear of failure, accepting failure while moving forward allows us to live much richer lives. When you make a mistake at something, if you think “even that Kobo Daishi made errors,” your heart will surely feel lighter.
It also allows us to be tolerant of others’ failures. When a colleague makes a mistake at work, when a subordinate doesn’t meet expectations, remembering this proverb will generate feelings of support rather than blame.
What’s important is how we respond after failure. Like Kobo Daishi throwing his brush to add the missing dot, when we notice a mistake, we should honestly acknowledge it and make corrections. That attitude might be the true mark of a professional. Even if we’re not perfect, by continuing to be sincere, people can keep growing.
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