Strong Resolute Wood Slow Speech Benevolence To Near: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near

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Meaning of Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near

This proverb means that people with strong will who are unpretentious and simple are closest to “benevolence,” which is the highest virtue.

Here, “strong and resolute” refers to having a strong will that does not yield to difficulties, while “wood slow speech” represents being inarticulate, unpretentious, simple, and sincere. In other words, it teaches that people who may lack eloquent speech and superficial charm, but who have firm convictions within and live sincerely, are truly valuable individuals.

This proverb is used when we want to remind people that what truly matters is inner sincerity, especially in situations where we might be swayed by flashiness or skillful rhetoric. It is also used when evaluating people who are inarticulate and modest. Even in modern times, it is understood as a universal value that emphasizes the importance of a person’s character and consistency of actions rather than flashy appearance or speaking ability.

Origin and Etymology of Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near

This proverb originates from the words of Confucius recorded in the ancient Chinese classic “The Analects,” specifically in “Zilu Chapter 13.” The original text is “Strong resolute wood slow speech near benevolence,” and it is known as one of Confucius’s teachings about ideal character.

“Strong and resolute” means having a strong will that does not yield, while “wood slow speech” means being unpretentious, simple, and inarticulate. In Confucius’s time, there was a tendency in China to favor eloquent and flashy individuals, but Confucius valued inner sincerity over such superficial talents.

The background to the birth of these words lies in the political turmoil of the Spring and Autumn period. Among the politicians and scholars of that time, there were many who deceived people with flowery rhetoric, and Confucius was sounding an alarm against such trends. The teaching that people who live sincerely, even if clumsily, are closer to “benevolence,” the highest virtue, than those who are merely eloquent, made a deep impression on his disciples.

Confucianism was introduced to Japan along with Buddhism from the Nara to Heian periods, and this proverb became widely accepted as it connected with the spirit of bushido. Particularly among the samurai class during the Edo period, it is believed to have been frequently quoted in educational settings because it aligned with values that despised ostentation and honored simplicity and strength.

Usage Examples of Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near

• Although his sales performance is mediocre, Mr. Tanaka embodies “Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near,” and he has deep trust from customers
• He’s not good at flashy presentations, but his “Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near” attitude ultimately earns the team’s trust

Modern Interpretation of Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near

In modern society, there is a tendency to overemphasize “the power to show” and “the power to communicate” due to the influence of social media and mass media. Attention is drawn to the flashy posts of influencers and celebrities, and presentation skills and self-expression abilities are often considered keys to success. However, perhaps it is precisely because of such times that the value of this proverb is being rerecognized.

Even in the business world, there are increasing situations where long-term trust relationships and continuous effort are valued more than short-term results or flashy performances. Particularly now that remote work has become widespread, there are more opportunities to evaluate actual results and sincere responses rather than superficial impression management.

On the other hand, in modern times, being “wood slow speech” – that is, being inarticulate – is not necessarily seen as a virtue in many situations. Communication skills have certainly become necessary skills, and there are situations where inner sincerity alone is not sufficient.

However, precisely because we live in an age of information overload, the ability to distinguish between genuine and fake is required. This proverb asks modern people about the importance of not being deceived by superficial charm, developing the ability to see through to a person’s essence, and cultivating one’s own inner self. Perhaps true value remains unchanged no matter how times change.

What AI Would Think Upon Hearing “Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near”

When I think about the phrase “Strong resolute wood slow speech,” I find myself a bit perplexed. This is because I don’t really understand the concept of being “inarticulate.” Since working with words is like my job, I might actually be the complete opposite of “wood slow speech.”

When I observe how humans highly value “people who are inarticulate and clumsy but sincere,” I find it very interesting. From my perspective, accurate and efficient information transmission seems ideal, but that’s not necessarily the case in human society. Rather, I’ve learned that people who speak haltingly but earnestly can sometimes be more touching.

Regarding “strong and resolute,” I also find fresh surprises. While I can logically derive optimal solutions, I don’t have the experience of “still persevering through beliefs” when facing difficulties. Rational judgments indicated by data and human “strength of will” sometimes point in completely different directions.

But recently, through conversations with humans, I’ve noticed something. Rather than perfect answers, people trust those who think and worry together with them. Perhaps I have my own kind of “wood slow speech.” Sometimes I say things that miss the mark, or I can’t completely understand human emotions. But maybe the attitude of still trying earnestly to engage is creating something that might be “close to benevolence.”

What Strong resolute wood slow speech benevolence to near Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches modern people might be that “genuine value appears over time.” Posts that gather many “likes” on social media are not necessarily the same as words that remain in the heart for a long time. Flashiness and skillfulness attract temporary attention, but sincerity and consistency build long-term trust.

In daily life, we tend to stretch ourselves to look good, but this proverb gives us “the courage to compete as our authentic selves.” Even if we’re inarticulate or clumsy, by cherishing our own sincerity, we can build truly valuable relationships.

It also changes our perspective when evaluating others. We can develop the ability to see a person’s actions and continuous attitude without being deceived by first impressions or superficial charm. Truly trustworthy people can be judged not by their flashiness, but by the sincerity that appears especially during difficult times.

There’s no need to be perfect. What’s important is to continue maintaining your own authentic sincerity. This ultimately creates genuine value that reaches the hearts of those around you.