How to Read “孔子に論語”
Koushi ni Rongo
Meaning of “孔子に論語”
“To Confucius the Analects” is a proverb that expresses how experts and masters in their field naturally possess the fundamental knowledge and tools of that field as a matter of course.
Just as Confucius completely embodied the teachings of the “Analects,” it means that it is extremely natural and obvious for experts to possess the foundational knowledge and skills of their field. This proverb is particularly used when acknowledging someone’s expertise or high level of skill, or when evaluating their qualifications as an expert in that field.
It is also used in the opposite sense in the context of “that should be expected,” and can be used with surprise or criticism when experts don’t know or cannot do basic things. In modern times, it is used when referring to knowledge or skills that should naturally be possessed in one’s profession or field of expertise, such as doctors having medical knowledge, chefs being able to handle knives, or teachers understanding education.
Origin and Etymology
The origin of “To Confucius the Analects” is related to Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC), the great Chinese philosopher, and the “Analects,” the book that compiled his teachings.
Confucius was born in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period and is known as the founder of Confucianism, which values benevolence and propriety. The “Analects” is a book compiled by his disciples after Confucius’s death, recording their master’s words and actions, containing numerous short passages that begin with “The Master said.” This book was particularly valued among Chinese classics and was introduced to Japan early on.
The background to the birth of this proverb lies in the deep relationship between Confucius and the “Analects.” Confucius himself was a person who embodied the very content of the “Analects,” and his teachings were completely consistent with his way of life. Moreover, the “Analects” is positioned as the book that most accurately conveys Confucius’s thoughts.
In Japan, Confucian studies came to be valued as the learning of the samurai during the Edo period, and the “Analects” was also widely read. It is believed that the expression “To Confucius the Analects” became established during this process. It came to be used as the most understandable example when expressing the naturalness of experts possessing the fundamental books and knowledge of their field.
Interesting Facts
The “Analects” consists of 20 books and 512 chapters, and the most famous passage “The Master said: Is it not a joy to learn and practice what you learn?” is placed at the beginning of the first book. This placement is not coincidental, and it is believed that the editors’ intention was to first present the “joy of learning,” which is the core of Confucius’s teachings.
Interestingly, Confucius himself did not write the “Analects.” It was recorded by his disciples and further edited by their disciples. In other words, “To Confucius the Analects” has the paradoxical interest of expressing the most appropriate relationship between an expert and specialized knowledge through a combination with a book that the person himself was not directly involved in creating.
Usage Examples
- That teacher would be perfect in educational psychology – it’s truly To Confucius the Analects
- An IT company president being able to program is To Confucius the Analects – it’s only natural
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of “To Confucius the Analects” has become complex. In the information age, the scope of specialized knowledge has rapidly expanded, and the content that must be mastered in even one field has become enormous, making the standards for “knowledge that should naturally be possessed” ambiguous.
Particularly in the technology field, new technologies emerge one after another, so even veteran experts may not be able to keep up with the latest knowledge. Applying “To Confucius the Analects” in such situations could lead to unfair evaluations. On the other hand, the importance of fundamental principles remains unchanged, and there is also the view that fundamental understanding is required precisely because we live in an era of rapid change.
Also, in modern times, specialization within fields has advanced. Even for doctors, there are various specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatry, making it difficult to define the scope of “what doctors should naturally know.” Therefore, more careful consideration has become necessary when using this proverb.
Furthermore, in the modern era where information can be easily searched on the internet, “being able to appropriately find and utilize necessary information” tends to be valued more than “memorizing knowledge.” This is causing the traditional concept of “knowledge that experts should naturally possess” to be reconsidered.
When AI Hears This
Analyzing the phenomenon of “amateur preaching” in the SNS era reveals the structure of “teaching Confucius the Analects” with surprising clarity.
In modern times, we routinely see people commenting “don’t take medicine because drugs are poison” on doctors’ posts, or beginners writing “that move is bad” on professional shogi players’ commentary videos. Fascinating psychological mechanisms are at work in this phenomenon.
According to the Dunning-Kruger effect in psychology, people with shallow knowledge tend to overestimate their own abilities. In other words, amateurs who have studied just a little are more likely to fall into the illusion that “I know a lot about this.” SNS accelerates this illusion. Anonymity lowers psychological barriers, while likes and retweets stimulate the desire for approval.
What’s even more noteworthy is that the more expert someone is, the more cautious and humble their statements become. Doctors preface their remarks with “individual differences exist,” and shogi players express themselves by saying “this is a difficult position.” Meanwhile, the more amateur someone is, the more definitively and confidently they speak.
What this contrast reveals is the ironic reality that true knowledge breeds humility, while ignorance breeds arrogance. Since Confucius’s time 2,500 years ago, humans have been showing off their knowledge in front of experts. SNS has simply expanded the stage for this behavior.
Lessons for Today
“To Confucius the Analects” teaches modern people what true expertise is. It shows the importance of not just memorizing superficial knowledge, but understanding the essence of a field and embodying it as one’s own.
In modern society, information overflows and anyone can easily access knowledge. However, the difference between true experts and those who are not lies not in whether they simply know knowledge, but in whether they can deeply understand it and utilize it appropriately. Just as Confucius practiced the teachings of the “Analects” as a way of life, we too are required to align knowledge and practice in our fields of expertise.
This proverb also teaches the importance of humility. Things that are thought to be “naturally expected” are often the most profound and require continuous effort. By valuing the basics and maintaining an attitude of constant learning, we can acquire true expertise. In any field, having the courage to return to fundamentals and not neglecting the effort to deepen them leads to growth as an expert.
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