How to Read “沈黙は金、雄弁は銀”
Chinmoku wa kin, yuuben wa gin
Meaning of “沈黙は金、雄弁は銀”
This proverb means that “appropriate silence is more valuable than eloquent words.”
In other words, it teaches us that it’s not always good to talk about everything, and that sometimes remaining silent is more effective and valuable than any skillful rhetoric. The “silence” here is not mere muteness, but silence that is intentionally chosen out of consideration for others and by reading the situation.
This proverb is used, for example, when it’s better to quietly stay by someone’s side rather than offering words of comfort when they are sad, or when it’s wiser not to interject during a heated argument. It also applies when keeping secrets or refraining from speaking out of consideration for someone else’s position.
In modern society, communication skills tend to be emphasized, but this proverb teaches us that the “skill of staying silent” is just as important as the “skill of speaking.” True wisdom lies in the ability to discern when to speak and when to remain silent.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb is a Japanese translation of the Western saying “Speech is silver, silence is golden.” It originally emerged in English-speaking countries and became widely used from around the 19th century.
Interestingly, the origins of this saying can be traced back to ancient Hebrew teachings. The Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament also touches upon “the wisdom of knowing when to speak and when to be silent,” showing that humanity has long contemplated the value of words and silence.
It was introduced to Japan from the Meiji period onward, along with the influx of Western culture. For Japanese people of that time, this expression must have been very fresh, because the idea of expressing things through the value of precious metals like gold and silver was very Western in nature.
However, there was a reason why this saying was accepted in Japan. Japan has long had a culture that values the “virtue of silence,” cherishing communication that doesn’t rely on words, such as “tacit understanding” and “reading between the lines.” Therefore, this Western saying naturally resonated with the Japanese heart. The fact that it is still beloved by many people today may be due to such cultural foundation.
Usage Examples
- When opinions clashed in the meeting, I decided to observe the situation with the spirit of “silence is gold, eloquence is silver”
- When my friend was depressed about a breakup, I thought that just being there for them was best, following “silence is gold, eloquence is silver”
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has changed significantly. With the information age and the spread of social media, we’ve entered an era where “communication skills” and “ability to transmit information” are highly valued. Therefore, many people tend to interpret this proverb passively as “staying silent is always best.”
However, precisely because we live in the digital age, the original value of this proverb is being rerecognized. The ability to judge “when to speak and when to refrain” has become more important in situations like social media controversies and timing of remarks in online meetings. Especially in modern times when information spreads instantly, careless remarks can sometimes lead to irreversible consequences.
On the other hand, a modern misuse has also spread: the interpretation that “enduring without saying anything is a virtue.” This differs from the original meaning. The true value of silence lies in strategic choice based on deep understanding of others and situations.
With technological advancement, we can now connect with someone 24 hours a day. This is precisely why the importance of intentionally choosing “silence” has increased. Appropriate silence in remote work, wise restraint from posting on social media – these can be called the modern version of “silence is gold.”
When AI Hears This
In today’s social media society, the volume of information generated daily exceeds that of any era in human history. Twitter sees 500 million tweets posted per day, while Facebook and Instagram continue producing billions of posts daily. Under these circumstances, the economic value of “speaking” has dropped dramatically.
According to economics’ law of scarcity, when supply approaches infinity, value approaches zero. In times when information was precious, the ability to “eloquently articulate” knowledge and opinions certainly held the value of silver. However, now that anyone can instantly broadcast to the world, simply “speaking” itself lacks scarcity.
Meanwhile, the “ability to remain appropriately silent” has become extremely rare. The judgment to avoid risks of public backlash, refrain from sharing unnecessary information, and preserve words for truly valuable moments has become the most challenging skill for modern people drowning in an ocean of information.
In fact, the more successful modern executives and influencers become, the more they carefully curate their communications and strategically choose “what not to say.” Precisely because they have unlimited opportunities to speak, they understand the scarcity value of silence. In this age of information overload, the value hierarchy of this proverb has become more accurate than ever before.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of “the power to listen” and “the power to wait.” Now that instant reactions on social media and messaging apps have become commonplace, why don’t we reconsider the value of taking time to pause and think?
What the other person truly seeks might not be your advice, but simply having someone listen to their story. When a colleague at work confides their troubles, when family members are struggling, instead of immediately offering solutions, try first empathizing with their feelings.
This proverb also teaches us “the courage to choose.” You don’t need to participate in every discussion. You have no obligation to answer every question. Your time and energy are finite. To perform your best in truly important moments, sometimes choosing to quietly observe is also admirable wisdom.
While “communication skills” tend to be emphasized in modern society, true communication ability lies in balancing speaking, listening, and appropriately staying silent. Please remember that there are moments when your silence shines like gold for someone.
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